bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caspase-1 causes truncation and aggregation of the Parkinson’s disease-associated protein α-synuclein
Authors: Wang Wei , Nguyen Linh T. T. , Burlak Christopher , Chegini Fariba , Guo Feng , Chataway Tim , Ju Shulin , Fisher Oriana S. , Miller David W. , Datta Debajyoti , Wu Fang , Wu Chun-Xiang , Landeru Anuradha , Wells James A. , Cookson Mark R. , Boxer Matthew B. , Thomas Craig J. , Gai Wei Ping , Ringe Dagmar , Petsko Gregory A. , Hoang Quyen Q.
Published: August 2016

Significance

The aggregation of α-synuclein (aSyn) is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease. Here we show that the enzymatic component of the innate inflammation system, known as caspase-1, hydrolyzes aSyn, rendering it aggregation-prone.
Preparation of chicken IgY against recombinant E2 protein of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and development of ELISA and ICA for BVDV detection
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Diraviyam Thirumalai , Li Xiumei , Yao Gang , Michael Antonysamy
Published: August 2016

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infects cattle and may lead to persistent infection (PI). The PI animals harbor BVDV throughout their life and become immune tolerant against BVDV. Thus, diagnosis of this virus in herd is highly important. Recombinant E2 protein expression (using pET-32a in Escherichia coli) was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting; then purified by Ni+ affinity chromatography. Chickens were immunized with BVDV-E2 protein, and IgY antibodies were extracted from egg yolk by PEG-6000. The peak titer of anti-BVDV-E2-IgY was 1:128,000 after the fifth immunization. IgY-based enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic assay (ICA) were further developed. Coincidence of ELISA and ICA test with RT-PCR was 95.45 and 90.91%, respectively. The anti-BVDV-E2 IgY could be used in routine screening of BVDV infection. Besides, it can also be applicable while licensing and/or using live vaccines; screening of imported products containing bovine serum and strong surveillance of BVDV outbreaks.
The Salafist Call in Alexandria: the trajectory of the organization and outcomes of its politics
Authors: Shalata Ahmed Zaghloul
Published: August 2016

This article examines the trajectory of the group called the ‘Salafist Call’ in Alexandria (al-Da‘wah al-Salafiyyah) and its political party, the ‘Nour Party’ (Hizb al-Nur). It discusses the group’s formation, its intellectual and legal concepts and positions, its move towards party political action, the repercussions of that experience on both the group and its political party as well as the effect of that on the performance of political Islamism in general. The conclusion considers the future of Salafist political action and the extent to which the Salafist Call can continue as the political representative of the Islamists, particularly in light of the ban on the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.
The Muslims in Russia: between historical legacy and contemporary problematics
Authors: Fawaz Ahmed Abdel-Hafez
Published: August 2016

Czarist Russia, the Soviet Union and Post-Soviet Russia had a history of relations with their Muslims that varied between integration or coexistence and resistance or conflict. Russia had perpetually reaffirmed that its war in Chechnya in the 1990s was not against Muslims per se, but rather against terrorist groups that were attempting to disseminate their radical ideas in the Muslim Chechen Republic as well as throughout the other republics of the North Caucasus. From their standpoint Chechen fighters described the struggle as a new round of Russian efforts to bury Chechen demands for independence. Nevertheless, this historical experience of struggle also coincided with periods of peaceful coexistence witnessed in other regions such as the Volga and Ural River Basin. Thus, the question remains: what of the contemporary challenges faced by the Muslims of Russia in their relations with the state and their relations among themselves? This research seeks to answer the following questions: How is it that religious and sectarian tolerance came to predominate in Tatarstan but regressed in Chechnya and Dagestan? Why have relations between Sufis and Salafists been subject to increasing tensions in the North Caucasus? Do the tensions witnessed in Dagestan and Chechnya reflect a genuine sectarian struggle or is the matter more complicated than that? How has the Russian media impacted – positively or negatively – ethnic and sectarian relations within the state?
Contemporary discourses on the possibility of an ‘Islamic state’: an overview
Authors: Dar Showkat Ahmad
Published: August 2016

The surprising rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) and its proclamation as the caliphate on 29 June 2014 imposed an obvious threat to nation-states. The continuous controversy over the nature and applicability of Islamic tenets to governmental institutions has yet to be solved. The possibility and impossibility of an Islamic state in contemporary times is observed by analyzing the very nature of Islam. The concept of an Islamic state is based on the teachings of the Koran and Sunnah, as meant for human welfare and happiness that, according to Muhammad Asad, would automatically preclude the government of such a state from contemplating wars of aggression. This article attempts to analyze the political developments that have taken place since the beginning of the twentieth century and the failure of the Muslims in establishing an Islamic state, despite upholding sharī‘ah principles.
Hemodynamics and Vascular Hypertrophy in African Americans and Caucasians With High Blood Pressure
Authors: Hill LaBarron K. , Sherwood Andrew , Blumenthal James A. , Hinderliter Alan L.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Hypertension in African Americans is characterized by greater systemic vascular resistance (SVR) compared with Caucasian Americans, but the responsible mechanisms are not known. The present study sought to determine if peripheral vascular hypertrophy is a potential mechanism contributing to elevated SVR in African Americans with high blood pressure (BP).

METHODS

In a biracial sample of 80 men and women between the ages of 25 and 45 years, with clinic BP in the range 130/85–160/99mm Hg, we assessed cardiac output and SVR, in addition to BP. Minimum forearm vascular resistance (MFVR), a marker of vascular hypertrophy, also was assessed.

RESULTS

SVR was elevated in African Americans compared with Caucasians (P < 0.001). Regression models indicated that age, body mass index, 24-hour diastolic BP, and ethnicity were significant predictors of SVR. There was also a significant interaction between ethnicity and MFVR in explaining SVR in the study sample. In particular, there was a significant positive association between MFVR and SVR among African Americans (P = 0.002), whereas the association was inverse and not statistically significant among Caucasians (P = 0.601).

CONCLUSION

Hypertrophy of the systemic microvasculature may contribute to the elevated SVR that is characteristic of the early stages of hypertension in African American compared with Caucasians.
Community-Onset Bloodstream and Other Infections, Caused by Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae: Epidemiological, Microbiological, and Clinical Features
Authors: Paño-Pardo José Ramón , López Quintana Beatriz , Lázaro Perona Fernando , Ruiz Carrascoso Guillermo , Romero-Gómez María Pilar , Loeches Yagüe Belén , Díaz-Pollán Beatriz , Martínez-Virto Ana , Mingorance Jesús , García Rodríguez Julio , Arribas José Ramón , Gómez-Gil Rosa
Published: August 2016

Background.  Because most infections caused by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) begin during hospitalization, there are limited data about community-onset (CO) infections caused by CPE. Our aim is to describe the frequency of CO infections caused by CPE as well as the clinical features of CO bloodstream infections (CO-BSIs).

Methods.  This study includes retrospective case series of CO infections caused by CPE in a tertiary hospital from January 2010 to July 2014. Any clinical sample with a positive culture for CPE that had been ordered by primary care doctors or by doctors at the emergency room (ER) were classified as CO. Epidemiological and microbiological features of CO cases were assessed as were clinical features of CO-BSIs.

Results.  Of 780 clinical samples with CPE, 180 were requested at the ER or by primary care doctors (22.9%), 150 of which were produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (83.3%). The blaOXA−48 gene was detected in 149 isolates (82.8%) followed by the blaVIM gene, 29 (16.1%). Sixty-one patients (33.9%) had a prior history of CPE infection/colonization. Thirty-four of the 119 (28.6%) patients without prior history of CPE infection/colonization did not fulfill Friedman criteria for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Considering previous hospitalization of up to 12 months as a criterion for defining HAI, only 16 (13.4%) cases were identified as community-acquired infections. The most frequent positive sample was urine (133 of 180; 73.9%). Twenty-one (11.7%) patients had a BSI, 9 of them secondary to urinary tract infections (42.9%). Thirty-day crude mortality among patients with BSI was 23.8% (5 of 21).

Conclusions.  Community-onset infections caused by CPE are an important subgroup of all CPE infections. The urinary tract is the main source. Bloodstream infections accounted for more than 10% of the cases.
Measuring Voter Registration and Turnout in Surveys
Authors: Berent Matthew K , Krosnick Jon A , Lupia Arthur
Published: August 2016

In many post-election surveys, the proportion of respondents who claim to have voted is greater than government-reported turnout rates. These differences have often been attributed to respondent lying (e.g., Burden 2000). In a search for greater accuracy, scholars have replaced respondent self-reports of turnout with government records of their turnout (a.k.a. turnout validation). Some scholars have interpreted “validated” turnout estimates as more accurate than respondent self-reports because “validated” rates tend to be lower than aggregate self-reported rates and tend to be closer to government-reported rates. We explore the viability of turnout validation efforts. We find that several apparently viable methods of matching survey respondents to government records severely underestimate the proportion of Americans who were registered to vote. Matching errors that severely underestimate registration rates also drive down “validated” turnout estimates. As a result, when “validated” turnout estimates appear to be more accurate than self-reports because they produce lower turnout estimates, the apparent accuracy is likely an illusion. Also, among respondents whose self-reports can be validated against government records, the accuracy of self-reports is extremely high. This would not occur if lying was the primary explanation for differences between reported and official turnout rates. These findings challenge the notion that the practice of “turnout validation” offers a means of measuring turnout that is more accurate than survey respondents’ self-reports.
Effects of Tempering Time, Ca(OH)2 Concentration, and Particle Size on the Rheological Properties of Extruded Corn Flour
Authors: Contreras‐Jiménez Brenda , Gaytán‐Martínez Marcela , Morales‐Sánchez Eduardo , Figueroa‐Cardenas Juan de Dios , Pless Reynaldo , González‐Jasso Eva , Méndez‐Montealvo Guadalupe , Velazquez Gonzalo
Published: August 2016

Extrusion was used for obtaining corn masa. Particle size, Ca(OH)2 concentration, and tempering time had significant effects on the viscosity of extruded flours. Ground corn tempered for different periods of time (0.016–10 h) increased viscosity without application of heat. This behavior can be explained by the release of starches from the protein matrix. Viscoelastic properties of masas showed storage modulus (G′) > loss modulus (G″) for all samples. G′ and G″ increased as a function of tempering time, indicating higher water absorption capacity (WAC). The same behavior was found for Ca(OH)2 concentration, suggesting formation of cross‐links between starch and polymers. Viscosity of masas modeled by the power law showed a value of n close to 0.1, suggesting that the dispersed solid phase was greater than the liquid phase. Index n and consistency coefficient K were associated with water absorption and viscosity, respectively. Regarding Ca(OH)2, the higher the Ca(OH)2 concentration, the lower the index n; thus, Ca(OH)2 influenced the pseudoplastic behavior of extruded masas. Index n was directly proportional to WAC. Consistency coefficient K generally increased with the tempering time and small particle size. In addition, viscosity was higher after 10 h of tempering time. Tempering time improved rheological quality of masa obtained by extrusion.
Insect symbionts in food webs
Authors: McLean Ailsa H. C. , Parker Benjamin J. , Hrček Jan , Henry Lee M. , Godfray H. Charles J.
Published: August 2016

Recent research has shown that the bacterial endosymbionts of insects are abundant and diverse, and that they have numerous different effects on their hosts' biology. Here we explore how insect endosymbionts might affect the structure and dynamics of insect communities. Using the obligate and facultative symbionts of aphids as an example, we find that there are multiple ways that symbiont presence might affect food web structure. Many symbionts are now known to help their hosts escape or resist natural enemy attack, and others can allow their hosts to withstand abiotic stress or affect host plant use. In addition to the direct effect of symbionts on aphid phenotypes there may be indirect effects mediated through trophic and non-trophic community interactions. We believe that by using data from barcoding studies to identify bacterial symbionts, this extra, microbial dimension to insect food webs can be better elucidated.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘From DNA barcodes to biomes’.
Advancing taxonomy and bioinventories with DNA barcodes
Authors: Miller Scott E. , Hausmann Axel , Hallwachs Winnie , Janzen Daniel H.
Published: August 2016

We use three examples—field and ecology-based inventories in Costa Rica and Papua New Guinea and a museum and taxonomic-based inventory of the moth family Geometridae—to demonstrate the use of DNA barcoding (a short sequence of the mitochondrial COI gene) in biodiversity inventories, from facilitating workflows of identification of freshly collected specimens from the field, to describing the overall diversity of megadiverse taxa from museum collections, and most importantly linking the fresh specimens, the general museum collections and historic type specimens. The process also flushes out unexpected sibling species hiding under long-applied scientific names, thereby clarifying and parsing previously mixed collateral data. The Barcode of Life Database has matured to an essential interactive platform for the multi-authored and multi-process collaboration. The BIN system of creating and tracking DNA sequence-based clusters as proxies for species has become a powerful way around some parts of the ‘taxonomic impediment’, especially in entomology, by providing fast but testable and tractable species hypotheses, tools for visualizing the distribution of those in time and space and an interim naming system for communication.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘From DNA barcodes to biomes’.
Population cycles and species diversity in dynamic Kill-the-Winner model of microbial ecosystems
Authors: Maslov Sergei , Sneppen Kim
Published: August 2016

Determinants of species diversity in microbial ecosystems remain poorly understood. Bacteriophages are believed to increase the diversity by the virtue of Kill-the-Winner infection bias preventing the fastest growing organism from taking over the community. Phage-bacterial ecosystems are traditionally described in terms of the static equilibrium state of Lotka-Volterra equations in which bacterial growth is exactly balanced by losses due to phage predation. Here we consider a more dynamic scenario in which phage infections give rise to abrupt and severe collapses of bacterial populations whenever they become sufficiently large. As a consequence, each bacterial population in our model follows cyclic dynamics of exponential growth interrupted by sudden declines. The total population of all species fluctuates around the carrying capacity of the environment, making these cycles cryptic. While a subset of the slowest growing species in our model is always driven towards extinction, in general the overall ecosystem diversity remains high. The number of surviving species is inversely proportional to the variation in their growth rates but increases with the frequency and severity of phage-induced collapses. Thus counter-intuitively we predict that microbial communities exposed to more violent perturbations should have higher diversity.
Stochastic Assembly Produces Heterogeneous Communities in theC. elegansIntestine
Authors: Vega Nicole M. , Gore Jeff
Published: August 2016

Author Summary

Host-associated bacterial communities vary extensively between individuals, but it can be very difficult to determine the sources of this variation. In this manuscript, we demonstrate experimentally how randomness in colonization can result in large differences in the composition of host-associated bacterial communities, using the nematode wormC. elegansas a tractable host model. Here, the amount of variation between individual communities is a function of two rates relevant to how bacteria colonize the host intestine, the colonization rate and the birth rate. We can therefore control the degree of variation between communities by controlling the colonization rate, using the amount of bacteria presented to the worms to control the rate at which migrants enter the intestine. When worms are fed with two neutrally-competing fluorescently labeled bacterial strains at low colonization rates, we are able to produce noise-induced bistability in this system, where each community is dominated by bacteria of only one color. These results demonstrate the potential importance of noise as a driver of variation between communities and highlight the utility of the simple model organismC. elegansfor studying questions relevant to host-associated microbial communities.

Host-associated bacterial communities vary extensively between individuals, but it can be very difficult to determine the sources of this heterogeneity. Here we demonstrate that stochastic bacterial community assembly in theC. elegansintestine is sufficient to produce strong inter-worm heterogeneity in community composition. When worms are fed with two neutrally-competing fluorescently labeled bacterial strains, we observe stochastically-driven bimodality in community composition, where approximately half of the worms are dominated by each bacterial strain. A simple model incorporating stochastic colonization suggests that heterogeneity between worms is driven by the low rate at which bacteria successfully establish new intestinal colonies. We can increase this rate experimentally by feeding worms at high bacterial density; in these conditions the bimodality disappears. These results demonstrate that demographic noise is a potentially important driver of diversity in bacterial community formation and suggest a role forC. elegansas a model system for ecology of host-associated communities.
Polo kinase phosphorylation determinesC. eleganscentrosome size and density by biasing SPD-5 toward an assembly-competent conformation
Authors: Wueseke Oliver , Zwicker David , Schwager Anne , Wong Yao Liang , Oegema Karen , Jülicher Frank , Hyman Anthony A. , Woodruff Jeffrey B.
Published: August 2016

Centrosomes are major microtubule-organizing centers composed of centrioles surrounded by an extensive proteinacious layer called the pericentriolar material (PCM). InC. elegansembryos, the mitotic PCM expands by Polo-kinase (PLK-1) phosphorylation-accelerated assembly of SPD-5 molecules into supramolecular scaffolds. However, how PLK-1 phosphorylation regulates SPD-5 assembly is not known. We found that a mutant version of SPD-5 that is insensitive to PLK-1 phosphorylation (SPD-54A) could localize to PCM but was unable to rescue the reduction in PCM size and density when wild-type SPD-5 levels were decreased. In vitro, purified SPD-54Aself-assembled into functional supramolecular scaffolds over long time scales, suggesting that phosphorylation only controls the rate of SPD-5 scaffold assembly. Furthermore, the SPD-5 scaffold, once assembled, remained intact and supported microtubule nucleation in the absence of PLK-1 activityin vivo. We conclude that Polo Kinase is required for rapid assembly of the PCM scaffold but not for scaffold maintenance or function. Based on this idea, we developed a theoretical model that adequately predicted PCM growth rates in different mutant conditionsin vivo. We propose that PLK-1 phosphorylation-dependent conversion of SPD-5 into an assembly-competent form underlies PCM formationin vivoand that the rate of this conversion determines final PCM size and density.
Water-Deficit Tolerance and Field Performance of Transgenic Alfalfa Overexpressing Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: McKersie B. D. , Bowley S. R. , Harjanto E. , Leprince O.
Published: August 2016

Transgenic alfalfa (Medicago sativa) expressing Mn-superoxide dismutase cDNA tended to have reduced injury from water-deficit stress as determined by chlorophyll fluorescence, electrolyte leakage, and regrowth from crowns. A 3-year field trial indicated that yield and survival of transgenic plants were significantly improved, supporting the hypothesis that tolerance of oxidative stress is important in adaptation to field environments.
Role of the Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase in K+ Transport
Authors: Briskin D. P. , Gawienowski M. C.
Published: August 2016

The role of the plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase in K+ uptake was examined using red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) plasma membrane vesicles and a partially purified preparation of the red beet plasma membrane H+-ATPase reconstituted in proteoliposomes and planar bilayers. For plasma membrane vesicles, ATP-dependent K+ efflux was only partially inhibited by 100 [mu]M vanadate or 10 [mu]M carbonyl cyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone. However, full inhibition of ATP-dependent K+ efflux by these reagents occurred when the red beet plasma membrane H+-ATPase was partially purified and reconstituted in proteoliposomes. When reconstituted in a planar bilayer membrane, the current/voltage relationship for the plasma membrane H+-ATPase showed little effect of K+ gradients imposed across the bilayer membrane. When taken together, the results of this study demonstrate that the plant plasma membrane H+-ATPase does not mediate direct K+ transport chemically linked to ATP hydrolysis. Rather, this enzyme provides a driving force for cellular K+ uptake by secondary mechanisms, such as K+ channels or H+/K+ symporters. Although the presence of a small, protonophore-insensitive component of ATP-dependent K+ transport in a plasma membrane fraction might be mediated by an ATP-activated K+ channel, the possibility of direct K+ transport by other ATPases (i.e. K+-ATPases) associated with either the plasma membrane or other cellular membranes cannot be ruled out.
Organization of Photosystem I Polypeptides Examined by Chemical Cross-Linking
Authors: Armbrust T. S. , Chitnis P. R. , Guikema J. A.
Published: August 2016

Photosystem I from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was examined using the chemical cross-linkers glutaraldehyde and N-ethyl-1–3–[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide to investigate the organization of the polypeptide subunits. Thylakoid membranes and photosystem I, which was isolated by Triton X-100 fractionation, were treated with cross-linking reagents and were resolved using a Tricine/urea low-molecular-weight resolution gel system. Subunit-specific antibodies and western blotting analysis were used to identify the components of cross-linked species. These analyses identified glutaraldehyde-dependent cross-linking products composed of small amounts of PsaD and PsaC, PsaC and PsaE, and PsaE and PsaF. The novel cross-link between PsaE and PsaF was also observed following treatment with N-ethyl-1–3–[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide. These cross-linking results suggest a structural interaction between PsaE and PsaF and predict a trans-membrane topology for PsaF.
Analysis of the Import of Carboxyl-Terminal Truncations of the 23-Kilodalton Subunit of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex Suggests That Its Structure Is an Important Determinant for Thylakoid Transport
Authors: Roffey R. A. , Theg S. M.
Published: August 2016

A series of deletions from the carboxyl terminus of the 23-kD subunit of the photosynthetic oxygen-evolving complex OE23 revealed that these truncations result in various degrees of inhibition of translocation across thylakoid membranes and their subsequent assembly to the oxygen-evolving complex. Import of in vitro translated precursors across the chloroplast envelopes was not inhibited by these truncations. Time-course studies of the import of truncated OE23 precursors into intact chloroplasts revealed that the stromal intermediate was subsequently translocated into the thylakoid lumen, where it was processed to a smaller size and rapidly degraded. In contrast to the full-length OE23 intermediate, the truncated intermediate forms that accumulated in the stroma as a result of de-energization of thylakoid membranes could be found associated with the membrane rather than free in the stroma. Protease digestion experiments revealed that the deletions evidently altered the folded conformation of the protein. These results suggest that the carboxyl-terminal portion of the OE23 precursor is important for the maintenance of an optimal structure for import into thylakoids, implying that the efficient translocation of OE23 requires the protein to be correctly folded. In addition, the rapid degradation of the truncated forms of the processed OE23 within the lumen indicates that a protease (or proteases) active in the lumen can recognize and remove misfolded polypeptides.
Rapid [gamma]-Aminobutyric Acid Synthesis and the Inhibition of the Growth and Development of Oblique-Banded Leaf-Roller Larvae
Authors: Ramputh A. I. , Bown A. W.
Published: August 2016

The hypothesis that rapid [gamma]-aminobutyrate (GABA) accumulation is a plant defense against phytophagous insects was investigated. Increasing GABA levels in a synthetic diet from 1.6 to 2.6 [mu]mol g-1 fresh weight reduced the growth rates, developmental rates, and survival rates of cultured Choristoneura rosaceana cv Harris larvae. Simulation of the mechanical damage resulting from phytophagous activity increased soybean (Glycine max L.) leaf GABA 10- to 25-fold within 1 to 4 min. Pulverizing leaf tissue resulted in a value of 2.15 ([plus or minus]0.11 SE) [mu]mol GABA g-1 fresh weight.
A Spatial Analysis of Physiological Changes Associated with Infection of Cotyledons of Marrow Plants with Cucumber Mosaic Virus
Authors: Tecsi L. I. , Smith A. M. , Maule A. J. , Leegood R. C.
Published: August 2016

Changes in host primary metabolism associated with the compatible interaction between cucumber mosaic virus and cotyledons of the marrow plant (Cucurbita pepo L.) have been localized, first by measuring activities of key enzymes in infected and uninfected regions of the cotyledon, and second by histochemical techniques applied to tissue prints of the infected region. A series of progressive metabolic changes occurs within the expanding infected lesion. Virus replication and the synthesis of viral protein at the periphery creates a strong sink demand associated with increased activities of anaplerotic enzymes, increased photosynthesis, and starch accumulation. Inside the lesion, when the synthesis of virus has declined, photosynthesis is reduced, starch is mobilized, and the emphasis of metabolism is shifted toward glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. These changes are associated spatially with the onset of chlorosis. A decrease in total protein synthesis in this inner zone could be instrumental in some or all of these changes, leading to symptoms of viral infection.
6-Methyl-7H-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b][1,2,4]triazepin-8(9H)-thione
Authors: El Bakri Youness , Harmaoui Abdallah , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: August 2016

In the molecule of the title compound, C6H7N5S, the triazole ring is planar, while the triazepine ring displays a boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the mean plane through the triazole and triazepine rings is 18.48 (8)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimers by N—H...N hydrogen bondsviaeight-membered {...HNCN}2synthons. Supramolecular layers in theabplane are sustained by C—H...N and π–π interactions [inter-centroid separation between triazole rings = 3.2880 (16) Å]. Connections along thecaxis occur between S atoms [S...S = 3.5972 (16) Å].
Usability evaluation with tasks characterized by the information search process
Authors: Ma Cuichang , Cao Shujin , Gu Tinghua
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present an approach to evaluating the usability of digital libraries in terms of knowledge states within the information search process (ISP) by investigating the connections among components with which users interact, perceived usability and task stages. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the most popular digital library in China, was chosen to be studied.

Design/methodology/approach

With the research framework, measurements were generated for perceived usability in task stages for efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction. Two usability experiments and usability tests were administered to 22 subjects in two groups. Three information retrieval tasks were designed according to the characteristics of knowledge states within the ISP for each experiment. The transaction logs were captured and the experimental results were recorded. The users completed a pre-search questionnaire and post-search questionnaire, and interviews were conducted.

Findings

The study showed that both interactions on components of the digital library and usability scores differed with sequential tasks characterized by knowledge states within the ISP; new usability problems relating to the CNKI were found based on the empirical results.

Originality/value

Many studies on the usability evaluation of digital libraries focused on the outcome rather than on the ISP. This study proposed an effective approach to usability evaluation based on users’ knowledge states within the ISP.
The AMSE Lean Six Sigma governance model
Authors: Arcidiacono Gabriele , Costantino Nico , Yang Kai
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The sustainability of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) program represents the most challenging aspect for most of the organizations dealing with this methodology. In this scenario, the purpose of this paper is the description of the AMSE (which stands for Assessment, Monitoring, Sustainability, Expansion) Model, that represents a leading-edge approach to implement an effective LSS deployment on a permanent basis, by means of a structured roadmap.

Design/methodology/approach

The AMSE roadmap is made of four operating phases – Assessment, Monitoring, Sustainability, Expansion – it is a Model to govern the LSS deployment and to maximize both operative and economical results on a long-term basis.

Findings

One of the main problems of LSS programs is their sustainability (sustainability of projects and the overall program) over time; the AMSE Model allows the deployment of an LSS Governance Structure with a clear definition of tasks; this model can be effectively applied both to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and global companies, regardless of the sector.

Practical implications

Both SMEs and global corporations could benefit from applying the AMSE in terms of operational efficiency, culture improvement and people engagement.

Originality/value

The AMSE Model represents an innovative approach for sustaining a continuous improvement culture in the organizations over time, by defining four steps (Assessment, Monitoring, Sustainability, Expansion), divided into detailed tasks, each of which is characterized by its own specific tools.
E-tail brand experience’s influence on e-brand trust and e-brand loyalty
Authors: Khan Imran , Rahman Zillur
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of e-tail brand experience on e-brand trust and e-brand loyalty. The study also tests whether gender moderates this influence.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 429 responses were collected using both offline and online survey methods. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling techniques were performed to test the measurement and structural models using SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 20.0 statistical software.

Findings

– Empirical results confirm the impact of e-tail brand experience on e-brand trust and e-brand loyalty. Gender was found to moderate the relationships. It was further found that e-tail brand experience developed almost same levels of e-brand trust in both males and females. However, males became more loyal to e-tail brands when they received positive e-tail brand experiences.

Practical implications

– E-tail brand managers should focus on the design and delivery of unique e-tail brand experiences to develop e-brand trust and e-brand loyalty in customers. The direct influence of e-tail brand experience on e-brand loyalty was found to be weaker in females, which suggests that managers could take steps to specifically deliver experiences that please female customers which might result in increased e-brand loyalty of this segment.

Originality/value

– Examining the phenomenon of brand experience in context of online retail while considering gender as moderator highlights the originality and contribution of the present study to existing retail and brand experience literature.
Human capital development for SMEs in Pakistan: is the “one-size-fits-all” policy adequate?
Authors: Mubarik Muhammad Shujaat , Govindaraju Chandran , Devadason Evelyn S.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– Pakistan adopted “one-size-fits-all” policy for human capital (HC) development with the assumption that the level of HC is equal across industry and firm size. The purpose of this paper is to test this major assumption on which this policy is based, by comparing the differences in the levels of HC, overall and by dimensions of HC, by industry and firm size.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on new data set of a sample of 750 manufacturing SME firms in Pakistan, compiled through a survey. Applying the independent samplet-test, one way analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance, the hypotheses of differences in levels of overall and dimensions of HC were tested.

Findings

– The results indicate significant differences in the levels of HC by industry and firm size. The levels of HC were found to be higher in textiles, food, metal and leather industries, and for medium-sized firms.

Practical implications

– The findings provide supporting evidence on the inadequacy of the current human capital development (HCD) policy in Pakistan. The study therefore recommends customized HCD policies, accounting for differences across industry and firm size.

Originality/value

– By taking the data on nine major dimensions of HC from 750 manufacturing sector SMEs, the study tests the level of overall HC and its nine dimensions by industry and size. The study also challenges the “one-size-fits-all” policy of the government of Pakistan for developing HC in SMEs.
Socioeconomic determinants of profitability of fresh fish marketing in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Obayelu Abiodun  Elijah , Arowolo Aisha O. , Ibrahim Shakirat Bolatito , Oderinde Caroline Oluwakemi
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the socioeconomic determinants of profitability of fresh fish marketing in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was a cross-sectional survey of 120 fresh fish marketers selected randomly from four major fish markets in Ado-Odo Local Government area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured questionnaire which was designed to solicit information on the marketers’ socioeconomic and marketing characteristics, operating costs and returns, and problems associated with fish marketing in the study area. A combination of descriptive statistics, marketing margin, budgetary and ordinary least square regression analyses were employed to analyze the study data.

Findings

– The study showed that female (85.8 percent) dominated fresh fish marketing. The percent marketing margin of fresh fish was 34.55 percent. The percent marketing investment of 20,906.03, 20,453 per month and 1.43 were realized, respectively. The result of the regression analysis revealed that profit from fresh fish was significantly determined by education, proportion of household members involved in fresh fish marketing, marketers experience, capital, number of sales outlet and purchase price.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings was based on information supplied by the fresh fish marketers in the study area based on the authors memory recall since most of the respondents do not have diary where records of activities were kept before the survey.

Practical implications

– This study contributes to the existing literature in fish marketing and will provide empirical information to policy makers in the formulation of appropriate policies. It will also serve as a guide to practicing and prospective fresh fish marketers and to researchers who may investigate further into the subject matter.

Social implications

– The social implications from the findings on the return on investment of 1.43 implies that for every one naira invested by fresh fish marketers, a return of 1.43 and a profit of 0.43 were obtained. The study concludes that fresh fish marketing is an economically rewarding and profitable venture in the study area. It also recommends the need to provide credit facilities to finance storage facilities of this group of marketers.

Originality/value

– The study is original in nature and revealed the economic status of fresh fish marketing in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Assessing the CSR information needs of Microfinance institutions’ (MFIs) customers
Authors: Okoe Abednego Feehi , Boateng Henry
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to seek to ascertain the corporate social responsibility (CSR) information needs of customers of microfinance institutions (MFIs). It also ascertains their media preferences for CSR disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adapted Wilson’s (1981) concept of information needs as the conceptual basis of this study. Case study research design was used. The respondents consisted of customers of MFIs in Ghana. Semi-structured interview was used to collect the data. Data were analysed using thematic analysis technique.

Findings

The study found that the CSR information needs of MFIs’ customers relate to moral disclosure, business survival disclosure, financial and business terms and conditions disclosure, donations disclosure and capacity building and training disclosure. The study also found that family and friends are the most reliable sources of CSR information for MFIs’ customers.

Originality/value

There is a great deal of literature available on CSR disclosure. However, limited studies have investigated the information needs of customers regarding CSR disclosure. Again, CSR disclosure in the Microfinance sector has received limited attention in the existing literature. This study expanded the existing literature by investigating the CSR information needs of MFIs’ customers.
There’s something in your eye: ethical implications of augmented visual field devices
Authors: Wolf Marty J. , Grodzinsky Frances S. , Miller Keith W.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the ethical and social impact of augmented visual field devices (AVFDs), identifying issues that AVFDs share with existing devices and suggesting new ethical and social issues that arise with the adoption of AVFDs.

Design/methodology/approach

This essay incorporates both a philosophical and an ethical analysis approach. It is based on Plato’s Allegory of the Cave, philosophical notions of transparency and presence and human values including psychological well-being, physical well-being, privacy, deception, informed consent, ownership and property and trust.

Findings

The paper concludes that the interactions among developers, users and non-users via AVFDs have implications for autonomy. It also identifies issues of ownership that arise because of the blending of physical and virtual space and important ways that these devices impact, identity and trust.

Practical implications

Developers ought to take time to design and implement an easy-to-use informed consent system with these devices. There is a strong need for consent protocols among developers, users and non-users of AVFDs.

Social implications

There is a social benefit to users sharing what is visible on their devices with those who are in close physical proximity, but this introduces tension between notions of personal privacy and the establishment and maintenance of social norms.

Originality/value

There is new analysis of how AVFDs impact individual identity and the attendant ties to notions of ownership of the space between an object and someone’s eyes and control over perception.
Mundane energies: The working body as a heat source in the Indian Himalayas
Authors: Jerstad Heid
Published: August 2016

This article takes the case of heating the body to show how non‐commodified energy forms make up part of the thermal landscape in Pahari villages, like Gau, in the Indian Himalayas. In Gau, the person is a resource as well as a beneficiary in the household, and through the activity of labour, the person produces energy which heats the body in the winter chill. This energy helps ensure the capacity to continue to do work, as it safeguards the body from the debilitating risks to health from the cold. Working life in Gau is irreconcilable with the room‐heating model of domestic thermal regulation. The idea of heating the walled space around the body becomes superfluous as it is the active body which heats and is heated in the direct carrying out of tasks necessary to the sustenance of the household.
The conditional impact of winner/loser status and ideological proximity on citizen participation
Authors: CURINI LUIGI , JOU WILLY
Published: August 2016

Many scholars have investigated the relationship between ideological orientations and mass participation, and there is also a growing number of studies comparing political attitudes and behaviour between electoral winners and losers. This article seeks to bring together these two strands of literature with respect to political participation, focusing on the interaction between citizens’ winner/loser status and ideological distance from their government. Analysis of data from 34 countries highlights the importance of this interactive effect: while previous works suggest that losers have a greater propensity to take part in political activities, it is shown here that this relationship holds true only when losers occupy a position along the left‐right spectrum distant from the government. Furthermore, while the hypothesised interactive effect is empirically confirmed for turnout, the magnitude of its impact is much greater for more costly modes of participation such as contacting, campaigning and protesting
The Differential Impact of User‐Fee Exemption Compared to Conditional Cash Transfers on Safe Deliveries in Nepal
Authors: Pradhan Elina , Fan Victoria Y.
Published: August 2016

Objective

To assess the differential impact of a copayment exemption compared to a cash incentive on increasing skilled birth attendance (i.e., birth attended by a skilled health worker) in Nepal.

Data Sources/Study Setting

This study used data on 8,785 children born between July 2005 and December 2008, obtained from the nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys, 2006 and 2011.

Study Design

Twenty‐five districts received both the policy interventions, and the remaining 50 control districts received only the cash incentive. We employed a difference‐in‐differences model to compare children born in districts with both interventions to those in districts with conditional cash transfers only. Average marginal effects of the difference‐in‐difference coefficient on skilled birth attendance measures are estimated.

Principal Findings

Skilled birth attendance in districts with both interventions was no higher on average than in districts with only the cash incentive. In areas with adequate road networks, however, significantly higher skilled birth attendance was observed in districts with both interventions compared to those with only the cash incentive.

Conclusions

The added incentive of the user‐fee exemption did not significantly increase skilled birth attendance relative to the presence of the cash incentive. User‐fee exemptions may not be effective in areas with inadequate road infrastructure.
Detection of Acetaminophen–Protein Adducts in Decedents with Suspected Opioid–Acetaminophen Combination Product Overdose
Authors: Thomas Karen C. , Wilkins Diana G. , Curry Steven C. , Grey Todd C. , Andrenyak David M. , McGill Lawrence D. , Rollins Douglas E.
Published: August 2016

Acetaminophen overdose is a leading cause of drug‐induced liver failure in the United States. Acetaminophen–protein adducts have been suggested as a biomarker of hepatotoxicity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether protein‐derived acetaminophen–protein adducts are quantifiable in postmortem samples. Heart blood, femoral blood, and liver tissue were collected at autopsy from 22 decedents suspected of opioid–acetaminophen overdose. Samples were assayed for protein‐derived acetaminophen–protein adducts, acetaminophen, and selected opioids found in combination products containing acetaminophen. Protein‐derived APAP‐CYS was detected in 17 of 22 decedents and was measurable in blood that was not degraded or hemolyzed. Heart blood concentrations ranged from 11 ng/mL (0.1 μM) to 7817 ng/mL (28.9 μM). Protein‐derived acetaminophen–protein adducts were detectable in liver tissue for 20 of 22 decedents. Liver histology was also performed for all decedents, and no evidence of centrilobular hepatic necrosis was observed.
The Efficiency of Australian Schools: A Nationwide Analysis Using Gains in Test Scores of Students as Outputs
Authors: Nghiem Son , Nguyen Ha Trong , Connelly Luke B.
Published: August 2016

This study examines the efficiency of schools in Australia and its determinants using the gain in NAPLAN test scores of students in 6,774 schools in 2009–2011. The results show that, based on empirical input–output combinations, the growth of NAPLAN test scores in Australian schools could be improved by 64 per cent by learning from best practice, on average. At the primary level, Catholic and independent schools are less efficient than public schools. At the secondary school level, though, public schools are found to be less efficient than other (non‐public) schools.