bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of TNF-α among inflammatory molecules secreted by injured astrocytes in the modulation ofin vitroneuronal networks
Authors: Lantoine Joséphine , Procès Anthony , Villers Agnès , Halliez Sophie , Buée Luc , Ris Laurence , Gabriele Sylvain
Published: October 2020

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Despite its high prevalence and extensive efforts to develop neuroprotective therapies, effective treatments for TBI are still limited. Among important neuronal damages, TBI induces structural and functional alterations of astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain. Injured astrocytes respond in diverse mechanisms that result in reactive astrogliosis and are involved in the physiopathological mechanisms of TBI in an extensive and sophisticated manner. The establishment of effective neuroprotective treatments for TBI requires to better understand the complex biochemical interactions between activated astrocytes and neurons that contribute to the secondary injury. To address this challenge, we studiedin vitrothe role of mechanically injured astrocytes on the growth and synaptic connections of cortical neuronal networks of controlled architectures grown on well-defined protein micropatterns. Astrocytes were cultivated on elastic membranes and mechanically activated by stretching cycles. The culture media of healthy or activated astrocytes was then introduced on neuronal networks. We analyzed the neuronal viability, the neurite growth and the synaptic density of neuronal networks to understand the role of the inflammatory molecules secreted by mechanically activated astrocytes. Furthermore, we cultivated neuronal networks during 13 days with different doses of TNF-α in order to decipher its individual contribution among the other cytokines. Here we show that the ratio of tubulin to synapsin area was significantly higher in neuronal networks treated with either 4 or 2 doses of TNF-α, suggesting that TNF-α can promote the tubulin polymerization process. Assuming that TNF-α can bind to either TNFR1 or TNFR2 receptors, which lead respectively to the cell survival or the cell apoptosis, we studied the modulation of the both TNF-α receptors in response to the medium of mechanically activated astrocytes and different doses of TNF-α. Our findings indicate that the amount of both receptors increases with the maturation of the network. In addition, we observed a significant modulation of the amount of TNFR1 and TNFR2 in response to the media of injured astrocytes that leads to a large imbalance between both receptors, suggesting an important role for TNFα-signaling in the physiopathological mechanisms of TBI.
Mjölnir: a miniature triaxial rock deformation apparatus for 4D synchrotron X-ray microtomography
Authors: Butler Ian , Fusseis Florian , Cartwright-Taylor Alexis , Flynn Michael
Published: October 2020

An X-ray transparent experimental triaxial rock deformation apparatus, here named `Mjölnir', enables investigations of brittle-style rock deformation and failure, as well as coupled thermal, chemical and mechanical processes relevant to a range of Earth subsurface environments. Designed to operate with cylindrical samples up to 3.2 mm outside-diameter and up to 10 mm length, Mjölnir can attain up to 50 MPa confining pressure and in excess of 600 MPa axial load. The addition of heaters extends the experimental range to temperatures up to 140°C. Deployment of Mjolnir on synchrotron beamlines indicates that full 3D datasets may be acquired in a few seconds to a few minutes, meaning full 4D investigations of deformation processes can be undertaken. Mjölnir is constructed from readily available materials and components and complete technical drawings are included in the supporting information.
The crystal structure of 5-(trifluoromethyl)picolinic acid monohydrate reveals a water-bridged hydrogen-bonding network
Authors: Ye Naike , Tanski Joseph M.
Published: October 2020

The title compound [systematic name: 5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid monohydrate], C7H4F3NO2·H2O, is the acid hydrate of a pyridine with a carboxylic acid group and a trifluoromethyl substituent situated para to one another on the aromatic ring. The molecule forms a centrosymmetric water-bridged hydrogen-bonding dimer with graph-set notation R
4
4 (12). Hydrogen-bonding distances of 2.5219 (11) and 2.8213 (11) Å are observed between the donor carboxylic acid and the bridging water acceptor, and the donor water and carbonyl oxygen acceptor, respectively. The dimers are further linked into a two-dimensional sheet via two longer intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between the second hydrogen atom on the bridging water molecule and both a pyridine nitrogen atom and carbonyl oxygen with distances of 3.1769 (11) and 2.8455 (11) Å, respectively. The trifluoromethyl groups extend out the faces of the sheet providing for F...F and C—H...F contacts between the sheets, completing the three-dimensional packing.
Crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of aquadichlorido{1,1′-[(pyridine-2,6-diyl-κN)bis(methylene)]bis(4-butyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione-κN
2)}cobalt(II)
Authors: Miecznikowski John R. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Ostrowski Tyler J. , Landy Kendra R. , Bonitatibus Sheila C. , Smolinsky Allison N. , Bertolotti Natalia R.
Published: October 2020

The structure of the title compound, [CoCl2(C19H27N7S2)(H2O)], at 173 K has monoclinic (C2/c) symmetry. We report here the synthesis, single-crystal structure, electrospray mass spectrum and NMR spectroscopy of a new six-coordinate cobalt(II) pincer complex. The pincer ligand, in this complex, which is novel, coordinates via three nitrogen atoms (two triazole and one pyridine). The ligand is ambidentate and can coordinate via three nitrogen atoms or two sulfur and one nitrogen atoms. The cobalt(II) metal center has pseudo-octahedral geometry and based on the single-crystal structure, the pincer ligand coordinates in a meridional fashion with the metal and adjacent six-membered ring ligands all in a similar plane and forming two slightly distorted boat configurations. The other two coordinated monodentate ligands are one water molecule and two chloride ions with four cobalt(II) complexes in the unit cell. The asymmetric unit of the complex is comprised of half the pyridine ring and water molecule with the CoII atom at the center of the pincer situated about a twofold axis. The Co—N, Co—O, and Co—Cl bond lengths are consistent with single bonds. In the crystal, the complex forms a three-centre bifurcated weak hydrogen-bonding interaction with a chlorine ion, forming one intermolecular interaction with the pincer group and a water molecule and a second intramolecular interaction with a C—H group within the pincer group. Crystal packing is also highlighted with C
2
2(6)>a<a infinite chains forming along [001] supported by R
2
2(8)>a>a ring motifs, forming a three-dimensional supramolecular network structure. While some stacking of the pyridine rings in the unit cell is observed, there are no relevant π–π interactions in the crystal packing. The 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectra of the complex are consistent with a plane of symmetry being present. The electrospray mass spectrum, which was collected in positive ion mode, showed the loss of one water molecule and one chloride ligand from the complex. In the future, we plan to screen this cobalt(II) complex for electrocatalysis reactivity.
Flipping the substrate preference of Hazara virus ovarian tumour domain protease through structure-based mutagenesis
Authors: Dzimianski John V. , Mace Savannah L. , Williams Isabelle L. , Freitas Brendan T. , Pegan Scott D.
Published: October 2020

Nairoviruses are arthropod-borne viruses with a nearly global geographical distribution. Several are known causative agents of human disease, including Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), which has a case fatality rate that can exceed 30%. Nairoviruses encode an ovarian tumour domain protease (OTU) that can suppress the innate immune response by reversing post-translational modifications by ubiquitin (Ub) and/or interferon-stimulated gene product 15 (ISG15). As a result, the OTU has been identified as a potential target for the development of CCHFV therapeutics. Despite sharing the same general fold, nairoviral OTUs show structural and enzymatic diversity. The CCHFV OTU, for example, possesses activity towards both Ub and ISG15, while the Hazara virus (HAZV) OTU interacts exclusively with Ub. Virology studies focused on the OTU have mostly been restricted to CCHFV, which requires BSL-4 containment facilities. Although HAZV has been proposed as a BSL-2 alternative, differences in the engagement of substrates by CCHFV and HAZV OTUs may present complicating factors when trying to model one using the other. To understand the molecular underpinnings of the differences in activity, a 2.78 Å resolution crystal structure of HAZV OTU bound to Ub was solved. Using structure-guided site-directed mutagenesis, HAZV OTUs were engineered with altered or eliminated deubiquitinase activity, including one with an exclusive activity for ISG15. Additionally, analysis of the structure yielded insights into the difference in inhibition observed between CCHFV and HAZV OTUs with a Ub-based inhibitor. These new insights present opportunities to utilize HAZV as a model system to better understand the role of the OTU in the context of infection.
Responding to a major global crisis: the effects of hotel safety leadership on employee safety behavior during COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Jiangchi , Xie Chaowu , Wang Jianying , Morrison Alastair M. , Coca-Stefaniak J. Andres
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of hotel safety leadership on employee safety behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the mediation role of belief restoration and the moderation role of perceived risk between safety leadership and behavior were also investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The COVID-19 outbreak served as the background for a questionnaire survey of 23 hotels in China with 1,594 valid responses being received. The statistical analysis techniques used were exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, structural equation modeling and hierarchical regression.

Findings

The results showed that: hotel safety leadership positively affected employee safety behavior (compliance, participation and adaptation); belief restoration partially mediated the influence of safety leadership on safety behavior; and perceived risk negatively moderated the direct effect and the mediation effect of “safety leadership – belief restoration – safety behavior.”

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation was that the questionnaires were collected with the same measurement system within a certain period of time (cross-sectional design). Then, future research should test and expand this conceptual model in different crises, business fields, theoretical orientation and cultural backgrounds.

Practical implications

Hotels should develop management strategies based on safety leadership and motivate and promote employee safety behavior from the four aspects of safety coaching, care, motivation and control.

Originality/value

This investigation expanded the research on the effectiveness of safety leadership and especially with respect to safety in the hospitality industry during a major global crisis. Also, the research conceptual model and variables contained therein are original contributions to the hospitality research literature.
Social media for entrepreneurship: myth or reality? A structured literature review and a future research agenda
Authors: Secundo Giustina , Del Vecchio Pasquale , Mele Gioconda
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper provides a structured literature review (SLR) about the effects of social media technologies on entrepreneurship activities and processes, to identify relationships, connectivity and interdependencies. The paper offers an outline of the past and the present literature and frames a future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

The structured literature review has been conducted on 159 journal papers extracted from Scopus, initially submitted to a bibliometric analysis. A final list of 69 papers published in a variety of academic journals specialized in the field of entrepreneurship, information science and business management has been analyzed through a content and bibliometric analysis.

Findings

Findings show that literature is really scant, and four research streams have been identified: Social media for entrepreneurial learning and self-employment; social media as tools for entrepreneurial marketing; social media as sources of entrepreneurial opportunities and finally, social media as enablers of networking and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study regard the need for more holistic studies, considering both the technological and the social aspects.

Practical implications

The findings demonstrate the actuality of the research focus and the need of a deep exploration about the role of social media for the different forms of entrepreneurship process. This evidence calls for a holistic and integrated framework.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper resides in a novel SLR with reference to the recent role of social media for entrepreneurship. Despite the increasing literature, the debate in such field is still fragmented and under-researched, offering a promising research field.
An applied study on women's poverty in Turkey in the context of the capability approach
Authors: Kurt Topuz Senem , Erkanlı Hülya
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present a detailed picture of the poverty conditions of women in Turkey in the context of the capability approach. In other words, it is to analyze their perception of how much women in Turkey can benefit from economic opportunities, political freedoms and social opportunities and to what degree they can have protective security services and transparency assurance.

Design/methodology/approach

The field study was conducted in seven cities across Turkey with 741 women. Data from the field study were gathered by using the survey method. A 5-point Likert scale that was developed by the researchers and comprised of 39 statements.

Findings

According to the scale means of the instrumental freedoms obtained from the survey study, it cannot be claimed that women in Turkey have a completely negative perception of all of the instrumental freedoms. However, if the instrumental freedoms are compared to each other, it is seen that the participants have different perceptions of these instrumental freedoms.

Originality/value

This study basically discusses the issues of women's poverty and freedom in Turkey. In this context, the capability approach by Amartya Sen and capability deprivation; in other words, “being deprived of capabilities”, that is prominent in this approach form the basis of the study. The issue of women's poverty in Turkey is dealt with through deprivations in this study in contrast to the poverty conceptualizations through the individuals' income or expenditure levels.
Meta-analysis in information systems research: method choices and recommendations for future research
Authors: Blut Markus
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The use of meta-analysis in information systems (IS) research has increased. Because this research domain has matured and an increasing number of empirical studies have become available, meta-analysis is now perceived as a useful approach to synthesize an increasing body of empirical research. The present paper gives an overview of meta-analytical techniques, the evolution of meta-analysis in IS, the focus of these studies and method choices made by authors.

Design/methodology/approach

This overview is based on 100 meta-analysis studies published in IS journals. These meta-analytical studies synthesize data from 6,262 empirical studies, and the meta-analyses were published between 1989 and 2020. The studies were coded with regard to 16 major method choices that IS researchers made when conducting meta-analyses.

Findings

This overview describes the key areas of meta-analysis (e.g. strategy and firm performance) and the journals that publish the meta-analysis. This overview also identifies method issues where meta-analyses have improved in recent years as well as issues that require some attention. Scholars receive guidance about good practices in terms of 16 major method choices related to (1) problem formulation, (2) literature search, (3) coding information, (4) analyzing and integrating effect sizes and (5) interpreting results and reporting findings.

Originality/value

Addressing the identified method issues helps authors of future meta-analyses to increase the transparency of reporting and the likelihood of getting published. The substantive findings of a meta-analysis also often depend on researchers' method choices. Similar overviews exist for other disciplines, such as marketing and management.
The effect of commodity price shock on the Ethiopian economy
Authors: Nuru Naser Yenus , Gereziher Hayelom Yrgaw
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of commodity price shock on the Ethiopian economy for the sample period of 1991 Q1–2016 Q1.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of commodity price shock is analyzed using Jorda's (2005) local projection method. The shock is, however, identified by applying short-run contemporaneous restrictions in a vector autoregressive model based on Cholesky decomposition.

Findings

The results signify that output is positively affected by the shock to the commodity price. In addition, domestic consumer price responds positively and significantly to world commodity price shock after the first quarter. The commodity price shock has also a positive effect, on impact, on money supply. Foreign exchange reserve increases significantly from the fourth quarter onwards and real effective exchange rate appreciates on impact, though insignificantly, in response to the increase in commodity price.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the limited available literature on the effect of commodity price shock for developing countries in general and the Ethiopian economy in particular.
Chinese textile and apparel manufacturers' moral duty positions, goals and structures toward sustainability
Authors: Yang Nannan , Ha-Brookshire Jung E.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Using the moral responsibility theory of corporate sustainability (MRCS) framework , the study examined Chinese textile and apparel (T&A) manufacturers' moral duty positions, goals and structures toward sustainability, with a goal of creating a spectrum of corporate sustainability (CS) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey method was employed to investigate participants' views on their companies' perceptions, goals and structures toward each of the listed sustainability-related activities.

Findings

The results showed that all participants expressed their companies have moral responsibilities toward some aspects of sustainability. Particularly, they viewed that their companies emphasize labor relations (LR) and righteous operation (RO) activities over environmental protection (EP) or public welfare involvement (PW) activities when fulfilling their sustainability responsibilities. After analyzing each response by following MRCS, 41 companies were categorized as occasionally sustainability corporations. The remaining 259 responses were categorized as consistently sustainability corporations in selective areas.

Originality/value

The study for the first time revealed the sustainability-related activities that most respondents in Chinese T&A manufacturing industry perceived as perfect or imperfect duties. Findings add knowledge to the area of corporate moral responsibility toward sustainability and show a spectrum of Chinese textile and apparel manufacturers' sustainability performance, empirically supporting MRCS.
Small business success: factors influencing the NBA's D-league
Authors: Keiper Margaret C. , Barnes John
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of initially controllable market factors on franchise success within NBA's Development League (D-League).

Design/methodology/approach

The open systems theory provided the foundation for analyzing characteristics contributing to small business success, as measured by attendance capacity for NBA D-League teams. Multiple regression analysis was utilized.

Findings

The results of this study indicate specific market characteristics increase franchise success in NBA's D-League. Population, income, facility size and ownership model all influenced attendance capacity.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the teams that have operated in NBA's D-League. Contextual factors related to new business survival are not unique to minor league basketball and can be applied by scholars or professionals to any new business to help understand new business survival.

Practical implications

This research is also useful to cities looking to invest in a professional sports franchise and for all small business owners to understand market characteristics that can contribute to success.

Originality/value

The results from this study significantly contribute to small business literature by being the first empirical study on NBA's D-League.
The differential effect of social disclosure on loan funding and loan repayment: evidence from fixed-rate peer-to-peer lending
Authors: Baek Hyungkee Young , Cho David D. , Jordan Robert Anthony , Kuvvet Emre
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social disclosure on loan funding and repayment within the fixed-rate peer-to-peer (P2P) lending model.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing 31,637 loans from the largest P2P lending company in the USA, the authors study the effects of different forms of social disclosures and the specific contents of such disclosures on the speed of funding, amount borrowed, recovered principal amount and loan default.

Findings

Some social disclosures help to fund a loan and are positively associated with loan repayment. The findings reveal prescriptive ways P2P borrowers indicate creditworthiness through social disclosure on loan listings.

Practical implications

The results suggest that it is advantageous for P2P borrowers to invest time into well-written loan descriptions and remain engaged with potential lenders.

Originality/value

The authors show that some social disclosure factors that affect funding time and likelihood do not necessarily affect the loan default and repayment in the same way.
Social engineering and Emiratization in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sarker Abu Elias , Rahman Mohammad Habibur
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the rationale for using social engineering as a tool to impact the nationalization of workforce in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretative and exploratory approaches have been employed for this research. Accordingly, the study has extensively reviewed government documents, reports of international organizations and relevant academic literature, including journal articles, conference papers and unpublished dissertations.

Findings

The findings show that the UAE Government has initiated multiple policies and programs to enhance participation of indigenous Emiratis in the burgeoning labor market which has been hitherto dominated by the expatriates. However, while the Emiratization programs are on the verge of fulfilling the targets in the public sector job market, significant gaps exist between the targets and accomplishments in the private sector, causing policy concern.

Originality/value

This paper links theoretical insights from the social engineering model used in the social sciences research to analyze the dynamics of workforce nationalization. The study will be helpful to inform further empirical research in this area.
Combating corruption in Singapore: a comparative analysis of two scandals
Authors: Quah Jon S.T.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare two corruption scandals in Singapore to illustrate how its government has dealt with these scandals and to discuss the implications for its anti-corruption strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the Teh Cheang Wan and Edwin Yeo scandals by relying on published official and press reports.

Findings

Both scandals resulted in adverse consequences for the offenders. Teh committed suicide on 14 December 1986 before he could be prosecuted for his bribery offences. Yeo was found guilty of criminal breach of trust and forgery and sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment. The Commission of Inquiry found that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) was thorough in its investigations which confirmed that only Teh and no other minister or public official were implicated in the bribery offences. The Independent Review Panel appointed by the Prime Minister's Office to review the CPIB's internal controls following Yeo's offences recommended improvements to strengthen the CPIB's financial procedures and audit system. Singapore has succeeded in minimising corruption because its government did not cover-up the scandals but punished the guilty offenders and introduced measures to prevent their recurrence.

Originality/value

This paper will be useful for scholars, policymakers and anti-corruption practitioners interested in Singapore's anti-corruption strategy and how its government handles corruption scandals.
Application of fuzzy MOORA method in the design and fabrication of an automated hammering machine
Authors: Emovon Ikuobase , Okpako Oghenenyerovwho Stephen , Edjokpa Edith
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In most developing countries riveting, upset forging and punching operations among others are performed using manual hammering technique. The use of the manual method increases production time and reduces efficiency. The use of the manual approach is predominantly due to the high cost of imported automated hammering machines (AHM) which the majority of the end-users are incapable of acquiring. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to produce an AHM that is affordable using an effective material selection methodology in the design and fabrication process.

Design/methodology/approach

The material selection methodology proposed is the fuzzy multi-objective optimisation on the basis of the ratio analysis (MOORA) method. The tool was used to evaluate and determine the optimum material for the major of the components of the AHM from amongst alternative materials while considering several decision criteria. A case study of the shaft was applied to demonstrate the suitability of the proposed technique. The AHM components design is then carried out and machine fabricated and tested to ascertain performance effectiveness.

Findings

The result of the fuzzy MOORA evaluation showed that alloy steel is the optimal material for the shaft. The fuzzy MOORA approach was compared with the fuzzy Vlsekriterijumska Optimizacija Ikompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) and fuzzy grey relational analysis (GRA) methods to validate the proposed method. The fuzzy MOORA method produces completely the same result with the fuzzy VIKOR and fuzzy GRA methods. The machine was then designed, constructed and tested and found to be effective for the purpose of the design.

Originality/value

This is significant as no such study has been published by any other researcher to the best of our knowledge in this area.
Disentangling direct and indirect determinants of the duration of maternal care in brown bears: Environmental context matters
Authors: Van de Walle Joanie , Zedrosser Andreas , Swenson Jon E. , Pelletier Fanie
Published: October 2020

The duration of maternal care, an important life‐history trait affecting population dynamics, varies greatly within species. Yet, our understanding of its predictors is limited, mostly correlative and subject to misinterpretations, due to difficulties to disentangle the role of maternal‐ and offspring‐related characteristics.

We conducted path analysis on a dataset including 217 brown bear litters captured over a 29‐year period in two populations in Sweden (‘North’ and ‘South’) facing contrasting environmental conditions to identify and quantify the causes of variation in the duration of maternal care (1.5 or 2.5 years).

We showed that the causal determinants of the duration of maternal care were context‐dependent. Contrary to their expected central role in the determination of the duration of maternal care, yearling mass and its direct determinants (i.e. litter size and maternal mass) were only important in the North population, where environmental conditions are harsher and the cost of extended maternal care presumably higher. In the South, the duration of maternal care was not caused by yearling mass nor any maternal or litter characteristics. Extension of maternal care may thus result from factors independent from maternal and offspring condition in the South, such as an artificial hunting‐induced selection for longer maternal care through the legal protection of family groups.

Our results provide an important contribution to our very limited knowledge of the direct and indirect determinants of the duration of maternal care and highlight the importance of accounting for the environmental context when assessing maternal reproductive tactics.
Size‐selective mortality induces evolutionary changes in group risk‐taking behaviour and the circadian system in a fish
Authors: Sbragaglia Valerio , López‐Olmeda Jose Fernando , Frigato Elena , Bertolucci Cristiano , Arlinghaus Robert
Published: October 2020

Intensive and trait‐selective mortality of fish and wildlife can cause evolutionary changes in a range of life‐history and behavioural traits. These changes might in turn alter the circadian system due to co‐evolutionary mechanisms or correlated selection responses both at behavioural and molecular levels, with knock‐on effects on daily physiological processes and behavioural outputs.

We examined the evolutionary impact of size‐selective mortality on group risk‐taking behaviour and the circadian system in a model fish species. We exposed zebrafish Danio rerio to either large or small size‐selective harvesting relative to a control over five generations, followed by eight generations during which harvesting was halted to remove maternal effects.

Size‐selective mortality affected fine‐scale timing of behaviours. In particular, small size‐selective mortality, typical of specialized fisheries and gape‐limited predators targeting smaller size classes, increased group risk‐taking behaviuor during feeding and after simulated predator attacks. Moreover, small size‐selective mortality increased early peaks of daily activity as well as extended self‐feeding daily activity to the photophase compared to controls. By contrast large size‐selective mortality, typical of most wild capture fisheries, only showed an almost significant effect of decreasing group risk‐taking behaviour during the habituation phase and no clear changes in fine‐scale timing of daily behavioural rhythms compared to controls.

We also found changes in the molecular circadian core clockwork in response to both size‐selective mortality treatments. These changes disappeared in the clock output pathway because both size‐selected lines showed similar transcription profiles. This switch downstream to the molecular circadian core clockwork also resulted in similar overall behavioural rhythms (diurnal swimming and self‐feeding in the last hours of darkness) independent of the underlying molecular clock.

To conclude, our experimental harvest left an asymmetrical evolutionary legacy in group risk‐taking behaviour and in fine‐scale daily behavioural rhythms. Yet, the overall timing of activity showed evolutionary resistance probably maintained by a molecular switch. Our experimental findings suggest that size‐selective mortality can have consequences for behaviour and physiological processes.
Quantitative records of habitat‐forming seaweeds found in Japanese temperate and subtropical zones (fucoids and kelps)
Authors: Arita Koichi , Suzuki Haruka , Yamano Hiroya , Yabe Tohru , Kumagai Naoki H.
Published: October 2020

This data paper introduces a data set of quantitative records, including biomass (wet and dry weight), cover, shoot density and shoot length, of habitat‐forming seaweeds (temperate kelps and fucoids) collected at 400 sites (2,115 sampling points) of a warm‐to‐cold temperate zone of the Japanese coast from 1957 to 2013. The data set includes 8,885 occurrence records of 58 species, extracted from 64 literature sources, most of which were written in local language. The data set compiled the quantitative records of seaweeds at each study site, each year and each month; the geographical location; the vertical distribution and the scientific names. Furthermore, one supporting data set was added that included the name of the corresponding literature list. The data set was formatted as Darwin Core and its extension, “Sample‐based Data.” Scientific names were updated to ones that are currently accepted based on Algaebase (http://www.algaebase.org). A comprehensive distribution (presence and absence) data set of Japanese habitat‐forming seaweeds has been published (Kumagai et al., 2016, Ecological Research 31:759), which covers geographic distribution and the associated long‐term changes in seaweeds found in Japanese temperate and subtropical zones. Here, this data set focuses more on changes in seaweed quantity according to season and depth. This rich data set can be used to analyze the seasonal, long‐term changes and spatial differences in the biomass and community structure of habitat‐forming seaweeds along the Japanese coast. These datasets are published under a Creative Commons attribution license CC‐BY NC 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2020-07.1/jalter-en.
Structure and dynamics of a mountain riparian forest at an upstream valley in central Japan
Authors: Fukamachi Atsuko S. , Watanabe Naoaki , Hoshino Yoshinobu , Yoshikawa Masato , Yoshida Tomohiro
Published: October 2020

This paper reports the data collected in censuses of trees, litter fall and vegetation in a mountain riparian forest, upstream of the Watarase river, Gunma Prefecture in central Japan. A 1‐ha permanent plot (100 m × 100 m) subdivided into horizontal 10 m × 10 m grid cells was established in the forest in 2005. Tree census with woody species ≥15 cm girth at breast height was conducted every year from 2005. Twenty‐five litter traps were set in the permanent plot. The samples of litter fall were collected monthly, except in winter, between 2005 and 2008. And we sorted into leaves, branches, reproductive organs and other plant material, at species level as much as possible. The percentage cover of vascular plants was recorded at each vertical stratification (tree layer, subtree layer, shrub layer and herb layer) in 2008 and 2014 at the plot. These data are valuable for elucidating long‐term forest dynamics at mountain upstream areas experiencing frequent ground disturbances.

The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2020-15.1/jalter-en.
Jumbo rates below conforming rates: When did this happen and why?
Authors: Fisher Lynn M. , Fratantoni Mike , Oliner Stephen D. , Peter Tobias J.
Published: October 2020

We show that jumbo mortgage rates were above conforming rates before the financial crisis, consistent with previous studies, and that the spread between them widened during the crisis. However, the spread turned negative in 2013 and remained so through 2019, with jumbo rates about a quarter percentage point below conforming rates. A rise in the government‐sponsored enterprise (GSE) guarantee fees appears to be the main reason for the change. Increased bank supply of jumbo loans also may have played some role, though the evidence is weak. With the onset of the Covid‐19 pandemic, we estimate that the jumbo‐conforming spread increased enough to move slightly above zero.
Recent development and challenges in extraction of phytonutrients from palm oil
Authors: Hoe Boon Chin , Chan Eng‐Seng , Nagasundara Ramanan Ramakrishnan , Ooi Chien Wei
Published: October 2020

Phytonutrients are plant‐derived bioactives which are widely utilized as colorants or supplements in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. To meet the global demand for phytonutrients, oil palm has emerged as a promising source of phytonutrients on account of its large‐scale plantation worldwide and high oil productivity. Phytonutrients including carotenoids, tocols, sterols, squalene, phospholipids, coenzyme Q10, and polyphenols can be found in crude palm oil as well as in the byproducts (e.g. palm oil mill effluent and palm‐pressed fiber oil) generated from the palm oil milling process. However, the high viscosity and semisolid properties of palm oil are problematic in phytonutrient extraction. Another major challenge is the retention of the sensitive phytonutrients during the extraction process. Over the years, the advances in the extraction methods have improved the extractability of phytonutrients. The emerging extraction methods can operate under mild conditions to mitigate the risk of phytonutrient degradation. This review outlines the types of phytonutrient in palm oil and their extraction strategies. The working principles and operating conditions of extraction methods are discussed along with their potential and limitations in terms of extraction efficiency and practicability. The methods for pretreatment of feedstocks for improving extraction efficiency are also highlighted. The challenges in the extraction of phytonutrient from palm oil feedstock are summarized. Lastly, we provide suggestions for overcoming the limitations and improving the performances of phytonutrient extraction.
Did mass incarceration lead to the disproportionate admission of minorities and marginal offenders?
Authors: Felson Richard B. , Krajewski Andrew T.
Published: October 2020

Research Summary

We examine the effects of mass incarceration on the admission of minority and marginal (i.e., first‐time) offenders to state prisons. Our analyses are based on six waves of data from the Survey of Inmates in State and Federal Correctional Facilities from 1973 to 2004. The results suggest that the era of mass incarceration led to increased incarceration of Hispanic offenders relative to White offenders, but not Black offenders relative to White offenders. Disproportional incarceration did occur, however, during some periods. For example, during the early period of mass incarceration, there was a disproportional increase in the admission of Hispanics and marginal offenders. In the late 1980s, during the “War on Drugs,” the likelihood that admissions were Black or Hispanic drug offenders increased, but the likelihood that admissions were marginal offenders did not.

Policy Implications

Our results provide further evidence of the perils of punitive policies. The tendency to overreact to crime problems sometimes, but not always, leads to the disproportionate incarceration of minority and marginal offenders.
Effect of sentencing reform on racial and ethnic disparities in involvement with the criminal justice system: The case of California's proposition 47
Authors: Lofstrom Magnus , Martin Brandon , Raphael Steven
Published: October 2020

We analyze the disparate effects of a recent California sentencing reform on the arrest, booking, and incarceration rates experienced by California residents from different racial and ethnic groups. In November 2014, California voters passed state Proposition 47 that redefined a series of felony and “wobbler” offenses (offenses that can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor) as straight misdemeanors, causing an immediate 15% decline in total drug arrests, an approximate 20% decline in total property crime arrests, and shifts in the composition of arrests away from felonies towards misdemeanors. Using microdata on the universe of arrests in the state in conjunction with demographic data from the American Community Survey, we document a substantial narrowing in interracial differences in overall arrest rates and arrest rates by offense type, with very large declines in the interracial arrest rate gaps for felony drug offenses. We see declines in bookings rates for all groups (conditional on being arrested), though we find a larger decrease for white arrestees. This relatively greater decline for white arrests is largely explained by differences in the distribution of arrests across recorded offenses. Despite the widening of racial gaps in the conditional booking rate, we observe substantial declines in overall booked arrests that are larger for African Americans and Hispanics relative to Whites and Asians. For some offenses (felony drug offenses), interracial disparities in jail booking rates narrow by nearly half. Finally, we use data from the American Community Survey to analyze changes in the proportion incarcerated on any given day and how these changes vary by race and ethnicity. For these results, we present trends for the time period spanning the larger set of policy reforms that have been implemented in the state since 2011. We observe sizable declines in the overall incarceration rate for African Americans, with the largest declines observed for African American males. The one quarter decline in total correctional populations in the state coincided with sizable narrowing in interracial differences in incarceration rates.
Testing for disparities in traffic stops: Best practices from the Connecticut model
Authors: Ross Matthew B. , Kalinowski Jesse J. , Barone Kenneth
Published: October 2020

Connecticut's novel approach to collecting and analyzing traffic stop data for evidence of disparate treatment is widely considered to be a model of best practice. Here, we provide an overview of Connecticut's framework, detail solutions to the canonical empirical challenges of analyzing traffic stop, and describe a data‐driven approach to early intervention. Unlike most jurisdictions that simply produce an annual traffic stop report, Connecticut has developed an ongoing system for identifying and mitigating disparity. Connecticut's framework for identifying significant disparities on an annual basis relies on the so‐called “preponderance of evidence” approach. Drawing from the cutting‐edge of the empirical social science literature, this approach applies several, as opposed to a single, rigorous empirical test of disparity. For departments identified as having a disparity, Connecticut has developed a process for intervening on an annual basis. In that process, policing administrators engage with researchers to conduct an empirical exploration into possible contributing factors and enforcement policies. In Connecticut, this approach has transformed what had once been a war of anecdotes into a constructive data‐driven conversation about policy. Variants of the Connecticut Model have recently been adopted by the State of Rhode Island, Oregon, and California. Connecticut's approach provides a useful model and policy framework for states and localities conducting disparity studies of police traffic stops.
Effects of structural attributes on the rheological properties of ice cream and melted ice cream
Authors: Freire Dieyckson O. , Wu Biqing , Hartel Richard W.
Published: October 2020

Although the ice phase greatly influences the properties of ice cream, other structural components also affect its rheological behavior, particularly after melting. In this study, mix viscosity (serum phase viscosity), extent of fat destabilization (FD), and overrun were manipulated to produce different microstructures. The effects of these structural components were evaluated on the rheological properties of the ice creams and melted ice creams. In oscillatory thermorheometry, mix viscosity and then overrun, influenced G’ and tanδ below −10 °C. When ice phase decreased (between −10 and −2.7 °C), mix viscosity had reduced effects, but continued to strongly affect G’ and tanδ, followed by FD, and with lower effects from overrun. When the ice phase was completely melted at 0 °C, FD had most influence on G’ and tanδ, followed by overrun, and with lower effects from mix viscosity. In creep/recovery test, six‐element model described well creep behavior of melted ice cream at 0 °C. Viscous behavior at lower shear rate (η0 0 °C) was most influenced by mix viscosity, followed by FD, and lower overrun effects. In stress growth measurement, transient behavior, represented by σY 0 °C, of melted matrix at 0 °C was most influenced by FD, followed by mix viscosity, with lower overrun effects. In flow ramp measurement, Hysteresis Area was most affected by mix viscosity, followed by overrun, and with lower FD effects. Moreover, correlation between Hyst 0 °C and tanδ Peak suggested that structure formation affected the magnitude of tanδ Peak. These results document the importance of microstructure on properties of melted ice cream.

Practical Application

The understanding of how structural components, such as mix viscosity, fat destabilization, and overrun, affect the ice cream matrix can help manufacturers to control its rheological behavior. The influence of these structural components on the G’, tanδ, η0 0 °C, σY 0 °C, and Hyst 0 °C can be also used to understand the structural rearrangements that occur in meltdown tests and sensory analyses for future studies. Therefore, elucidation of these mechanisms on the rheological properties can directly assist in quality control and new product development in the ice cream industry.
Characterization of the key aroma compounds in Yunnan goat milk cake using a sensory‐directed flavor analysis
Authors: Tian Huaixiang , Sun Xuefeng , Yu Haiyan , Ai Lianzhong , Chen Chen
Published: October 2020

To identify the key aroma compounds in Yunnan goat milk cake, seven varieties of milk cake samples were subjected to sensory analysis and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O), aroma recombination, omission, and addition tests. The GC‐MS results revealed 53 compounds with aroma characteristics in all the samples. A further comparison of odor activity values and aroma intensities (AI) revealed 25 of these compounds as the initial key aroma compounds. The contributions of these key aroma compounds to the sensory attributes were determined using a partial least squares regression. Of these compounds, 2‐heptanone and 2‐nonanone were closely related to the “milky” and “cheesy” attributes and were highly abundant in the samples from Kunming. Fatty acids, including butanoic acid, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid, were the most abundant compounds detected in the milk cakes. These fatty acids were closely related to the “rancid” and “animalic (goat)” attributes and were largely detected in the samples from Dali Dengchuan and Dali Xiaguan. Sensory‐directed aroma recombination, omission, and addition tests further validated the important contributions of ethyl butyrate, benzaldehyde, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 2‐heptanone, hexanoic acid, and octanoic acid to the overall sensory properties. Moreover, ethyl butyrate, benzaldehyde, and 2‐heptanone, when added, had evident inhibitory or masking effects on the AI of “sour,” “rancid,” and “animalic (goat)” attributes.

Practical Application

Goat milk cake is a popular acid‐curd cheese in Yunnan, China, however, our limited knowledge to its key aroma compounds restricts its development and industrial production. In this study, a sensory‐directed flavor analysis was used to characterized the key aroma compounds of Yunnan goat milk cake, which will help to enhance our understanding on the flavor profile of Yunnan goat milk cake and provide a reference for optimizing the flavor feature and organoleptic quality of this fresh goat cheese.