bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On-Site Capabilities of a Mobile Laboratory for Aquatic Germplasm Cryopreservation
Authors: Childress William M , Bosworth Brian , Chesney Edward , Walter Ronald B , Tiersch Terrence R
Published: May 2019

The cryopreservation of genetic material can be an important tool for researchers and others involved with imperiled fishes, wild fisheries, aquaculture, and biomedical research. The standardization and reliable collection of diverse, high-quality samples are persistent challenges to the successful cryopreservation of aquatic species. The overall goal of this study was to work with different user groups, cryopreserving sperm on-site at their facilities to evaluate the uses and challenges of a mobile laboratory with high-throughput and quality control capabilities comparable to those of a specialized central facility. The objectives were to demonstrate the collection and cryopreservation of sperm from (1) large-bodied freshwater Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus for aquaculture; (2) small-bodied freshwater swordtails and platyfishes Xiphophorus spp. for biomedical research and repository development for gametes from imperiled species; and (3) saltwater Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus for wild fisheries research. Over the course of this project, the mobile laboratory traveled more than 4,000 km, collecting germplasm from more than 650 male fish. A total of 137 Blue Catfish were processed in 2015 and 2016, yielding 6,146 0.5-mL French straws. A total of 521 males from 11 different species in the genus Xiphophorus were processed over 4 d in 2015, yielding 488 0.25-mL French straws. Lastly, a total of 17 Red Snapper males were processed during 2015, yielding 316 0.5-mL French straws. This study documents the development of a mobile cryopreservation laboratory with high-throughput capability for aquatic species. If mobile laboratories prove to be effective, user groups will no longer be limited to germplasm resources that can be shipped as samples or transported as live animals to a central cryopreservation facility. Mobile laboratories would thus create opportunities to collect higher-quality germplasm and provide access to new species. Also, they would enable direct cooperation, including training, among a wide variety of user groups for numerous applications.
Adipose Tissue Protein Glycoxidation is Associated with Weight‐Loss Potential
Authors: Serrano José C. E. , Baena‐Fustegueras Juan Antonio , Martin‐Gari Meritxell , Rassendren Helene , Cassanye Anna , Naudí Alba , López‐Cano Carolina , Sánchez Enric , de la Fuente‐Juárez María Cruz , Herrerías González Fernando , Olsina Kissler Jorge J. , Lecube Albert , Portero‐Otín Manuel
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the differences in protein oxidation biomarkers in adipose tissue (AT) as an indicator of AT metabolism and bariatric surgery weight‐loss success.

Methods

A human model, in which sixty‐five individuals with obesity underwent bariatric surgery, and a diet‐induced obesity animal model, in which animals were treated for 2 months with normocaloric diets, were analyzed to determine the associations between AT protein oxidation and body weight loss. Protein oxidative biomarkers were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in AT from human volunteers before the surgery, as well as 2 months after a diet treatment in the animal model.

Results

The levels of carboxyethyl‐lysine (CEL) and 2‐succinocystein (2SC) in both visceral and subcutaneous AT before the surgery directly correlated with greater weight loss in both human and animal models. 2SC levels in subcutaneous AT greater than 4.7 × 106 μmol/mol lysine (95% CI: 3.4 × 106 to 6.0 × 106) may predict greater weight loss after bariatric surgery (receiver operating characteristic curve area = 0.8222; P = 0.0047). Additionally, it was observed that individuals with diabetes presented lower levels of CEL and 2SC in subcutaneous AT (P = 0.0266 and P = 0.0316, respectively) compared with individuals without diabetes.

Conclusions

CEL and 2SC in AT are useful biomarkers of AT metabolism and predict the individual's ability to reduce body weight after bariatric surgery.
Inverse optimal neural control via passivity approach for nonlinear anaerobic bioprocesses with biofuels production
Authors: Gurubel Kelly J. , Sanchez Edgar N. , Coronado‐Mendoza Alberto , Zuniga‐Grajeda Virgilio , Sulbaran‐Rangel Belkis , Breton‐Deval Luz
Published: May 2019

This paper proposes an inverse optimal neural control method of a nonlinear anaerobic bioprocesses model for simultaneous hydrogen and methane production in presence of disturbances. Based on the fundamental properties of the system, a passivity approach is designed such that asymptotic stability is guaranteed. A recurrent high‐order neural network for unknown nonlinear systems in presence of unknown bounded disturbances and parameter uncertainties is proposed to identify nonmeasurable state variables of the system, which are directly related to biofuels production. Optimal control laws based on the neural model are proposed so that the passivation of the entire plant is preserved. The neural control strategy performance for trajectory tracking in presence of disturbances is proven. Results via simulation show the optimal control methodology efficiency to stabilize the H2 and CH4 productions along desired trajectories even in presence of disturbances.
Impact of labour attributes and probability of employability in Indian labour market: A sectoral analysis
Authors: Bairwa Arun Kumar , Sharma Pritee
Published: May 2019

The structural transition of an economy helps the nations to move from primary to secondary and then to tertiary sector for the total output and employment generation. However, the absence of this systematic structural transition could lead the nation into long‐term imbalances for employment and output. This is happening with India as its economy has directly moved from primary to tertiary sector for both output and employment generation. The present study helps to identify the main reasons about why India is still stagnating with its sluggish primary sector for employment generation. This will also show the existing pattern of occupational choices for the people of different labour attributes. The study usages the fourth and fifth survey of employment and unemployment conducted by the Labour Bureau in 2012–13 and 2014–15 over 1,087,968 individuals of India. The study applies both multinomial logit model and binary logit model for analysing the employment probabilities of the individuals for working in the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. The study finds that location and education are the most important factor affecting the employment choices of the individuals, whereas caste and gender are also important but with moderate impact. The location is found crucial factor for primary and secondary sector occupation, whereas secondary sector is neutral in this regard. The service sector is found to have the highest incidences of caste discrimination and favouritism in the labour market. The education has the highest impact on the service sector jobs.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children with acute myeloid leukemia in second remission: A report from the Australasian Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient Registry and the Australian and New Zealand Children's Haematology Oncology Group
Authors: Selim Adrian , Alvaro Frank , Cole Catherine H. , Fraser Chris J. , Mechinaud Francoise , O'Brien Tracey A. , Shaw Peter J. , Tapp Heather , Teague Lochie , Nivison‐Smith Ian , Moore Andrew S.
Published: May 2019

Background

Approximately one‐third of children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse, requiring re‐treatment and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although achieving second complete remission (CR2) prior to HSCT is desirable, once CR2 is attained, it is unclear if there is any benefit from further chemotherapy prior to HSCT. Moreover, although pre‐HSCT minimal residual disease (MRD) has prognostic value in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the benefit of MRD reduction after achieving CR prior to HSCT is less clear for AML.

Procedure

To address these questions, we analyzed data from pediatric transplant centers in Australia and New Zealand concerning relapsed childhood AML cases occurring between 1998 and 2013. Given the retrospective nature of our analysis and assay data available, we analyzed patients on the basis of measurable residual disease (MeRD) by any methodology, rather than MRD in the conventional sense.

Results

We observed improved overall survival (OS) in children receiving two chemotherapy cycles, compared to one cycle or three or more cycles pre‐HSCT. Improved OS with two cycles remained significant for patients without MeRD after cycle 1.

Conclusions

These data suggest that a second chemotherapy cycle pre‐HSCT may improve survival by lowering disease burden. Prospective trials assessing strategies to reduce pre‐HSCT MRD in relapsed childhood AML are warranted.
Short lookback periods causing exaggerated stroke risk estimates in atrial fibrillation may expose patients to unnecessary anticoagulant treatment
Authors: Friberg Leif
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose was to investigate how different lookback periods in observational registry studies affect estimates of stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke risk score CHA2DS2‐VASc 1, a level where the appreciated risk is likely to affect decisions about oral anticoagulation.

Methods

All 354 854 individuals in Sweden with a hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation during 2010‐2016 were included. At least 13 years of observational data prior to inclusion was available for all patients. The prevalence of hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, previous thromboembolism, and vascular disease was estimated from data with different lookback periods. The incident stroke rates at CHA2DS2‐VASc score 1 was then assessed using data with successively longer lookback periods.

Results

Depending on duration of lookback period, the proportion of patients with heart failure varied 2.7 times, thromboembolism 3.7 times, hypertension 4.0 times, and diabetes and vascular disease both approximately 4.5 times. During follow‐up, 22 237 patients suffered an ischaemic stroke. The estimated risk without anticoagulant treatment at CHA2DS2‐VASc score 1 was 51% higher if the scores had been calculated with the shortest lookback period than if all information had been used.

Conclusions

Short lookback periods underestimate comorbidity, cause high‐risk patients to be misclassified as low risk, and overestimate stroke risk at CHA2DS2‐VASc 1. This may lead to unnecessary anticoagulant treatment of true low‐risk patients. Transparency regarding lookback periods is essential for interpretation and comparison of registry studies.
Microstructure and relaxation behavior of flexible dielectric PVDF and HNBR blends: An assessment through small‐angle x‐ray scattering and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy
Authors: Saha Subhabrata , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: May 2019

The work demonstrated the microstructure and the relaxation behavior of flexible electroactive blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) by small‐angle X‐ray scattering and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. Very few studies have been done so far on this topic for crystalline/rubbery blends. Lamellar morphology was observed for both the PVDF and its blends. HNBR suppressed the mobility of PVDF above its melting temperature, as evident from lowering of crystallization temperature, due to physical interaction. The interaction was increased with HNBR content. However, after complete crystallization, HNBR segments were expelled out from the lamella, and crystal long period remained intact in all the blends. Interestingly, some HNBR segments remained in the amorphous part of PVDF which reduced the electron density contrast of its crystalline and amorphous region. When HNBR was crosslinked, the interaction was reduced, and consequently, the crystallization became faster and electron density contrast increased. From the microscopic study, polydispersed particles were observed within the crystalline lamella. Interfacial polarization (IP) relaxation of PVDF was absent in the blends due to physical interaction, whereas IP relaxation of HNBR shifted to a higher frequency. The shift was higher at higher HNBR content and decreased when HNBR was crosslinked. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 851–866
PTEN loss in prostatic adenocarcinoma correlates with specific adverse histologic features (intraductal carcinoma, cribriform Gleason pattern 4 and stromogenic carcinoma)
Authors: Shah Rajal B. , Shore Karen T. , Yoon Jiyoon , Mendrinos Savvas , McKenney Jesse K. , Tian Wei
Published: May 2019

Background

The loss of PTEN tumor suppressor gene is one of the most common somatic genetic aberrations in prostate cancer (PCa) and is frequently associated with high‐risk disease. Deletion or mutation of at least one PTEN allele has been reported to occur in 20% to 40% of localized PCa and up to 60% of metastases. The goal of this study was to determine if somatic alteration detected by PTEN immunohistochemical loss of expression is associated with specific histologic features.

Methods

Two hundred sixty prostate core needle biopsies with PCa were assessed for PTEN loss using an analytically validated immunohistochemical assay. Blinded to PTEN status, each tumor was assessed for the Grade Group (GG) and the presence or absence of nine epithelial features. Presence of stromogenic PCa was also assessed and defined as grade 3 reactive tumor stroma as previously described: the presence of carcinoma associated stromal response with epithelial to stroma ratio of greater than 50% reactive stroma.

Results

Eight‐eight (34%) cases exhibited PTEN loss while 172 (66%) had intact PTEN. PTEN loss was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with increasing GG, poorly formed glands (74% of total cases with loss vs 49% of intact), and three well‐validated unfavorable pathological features: intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC‐P) (69% of total cases with loss vs 12% of intact), cribriform Gleason pattern 4 (38% of total cases with loss vs 10% of intact) and stromogenic PCa (23% of total cases with loss vs 6% of intact). IDC‐P had the highest relative risk (4.993, 95% confidence interval, 3.451‐7.223, P < 0.001) for PTEN loss. At least one of these three unfavorable pathological features were present in 67% of PCa exhibiting PTEN loss, while only 11% of PCa exhibited PTEN loss when none of these three unfavorable pathological features were present.

Conclusions

PCa with PTEN loss demonstrates a strong correlation with known unfavorable histologic features, particularly IDC‐P. This is the first study showing the association of PTEN loss with stromogenic PCa.
Comparative analysis of p16 expression among African American and European American prostate cancer patients
Authors: Wong Myra , Bierman Yaeli , Pettaway Curtis , Kittles Rick , Mims Martha , Jones Jeffrey , Ittmann Michael
Published: May 2019

Background

Expression of p16 is increased in a number of malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). Recent studies in a European cohort showed that expression of p16 is correlated with expression of the TMPRSS2/ERG (T/E) fusion protein. The T/E fusion is significantly less common in PCas in African American (AA) men. Thus, it would be predicted that p16 expression should be less common in PCas in AA men. We, therefore, sought to compare the expression of p16 in benign prostate and PCas from AA and European American (EA) men.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry for p16 and ERG was performed on tissue microarrays constructed from radical prostatectomies performed on AA and EA veterans. Staining was scored and the scores compared with demographic, clinical and pathological parameters. Percent of West African ancestry in the AA cohort was assessed using ancestry informative markers.

Results

Contrary to our predictions, p16 expression was similar in the cancers in the AA and EA cohorts. Consistent with prior reports, expression of p16 was quite low in benign prostate tissues from EA patients but surprisingly was significantly higher in benign tissues from AA patients. Expression of p16 was significantly associated with a family history of PCa in AA men. In addition, p16 was associated with ERG expression in AA PCa.

Conclusions

While overall expression of p16 is similar in PCas from the two racial groups, the expression of p16 in benign tissues from a subset of AA men and the stronger correlation with ERG expression implies that there are different mechanisms for p16 overexpression in PCas from the two racial groups.
Control of Microstructural Phase Distribution in Ge2Sb2Te5 Phase Change Memory Cells
Authors: Baik Seung Jae , Kim Gwihyun , Horii Hideki , Ahn Dong‐ho
Published: May 2019

Recently, phase change memory is one of highly developed memory products; however, further research is needed to manage intrinsic variations in switching voltage and resistance drift, which is crucial for high density memory development. Current–voltage characteristics, their temperature dependence, and voltage‐dependent resistance switching characteristics at various programming times are investigated. These data provide an indirect characterization of microstructural phase distribution in the phase change material during memory operations. Subthreshold current–voltage symmetry in phase change memory cells can be used for identifying filamentary or non‐filamentary conducting paths, both of which are controllably formed by adjusting the programming time. This work may contribute to an improved operation method to mitigate intrinsic variations in phase change memories.
On the Effect of Magnetostatic Interaction on the Collective Motion of Vortex Domain Walls in a Pair of Nanostripes
Authors: Orlov Vitaly A. , Ivanov Anatoly A. , Orlova Irina N.
Published: May 2019

The periodic motion of interacting vortex domain walls in a pair of nanostripes has been analytically and numerically investigated. A model consisting of two parallel nanostripes with the domain magnetization structure has been proposed, where domains are separated by vortex walls. The magnetic subsystems of the stripes magnetostatically interact, which causes the existence of normal magnetic vortex motion modes in the latter. Frequencies of the collective magnetization modes have been calculated using empirical expressions for the magnetic energy of interaction between vortex walls. It is shown that not any combinations of the polarity and chirality lead to the resonance magnetization behavior in ac fields.
Identifying interlayer surface adhesion failure mechanisms in tinplate packaging steels
Authors: Melvin Chris , Jewell Eifion , Miedema Jakob , Lammers Koen , de Vooys Arnoud , Allman Andrew , McMurray Neil
Published: May 2019

Tinplate surface morphology and chemistry is adjusted during the manufacturing process in order to meet the demands of its subsequent product use, the commonest being visual appearance and food packaging stability. A comprehensive experimental study on an industrial tinning line varied the surface roughness and the tin coating weight with the characterization through X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), white light interferometer (WLI), optical imaging, and lacquer adhesion measurement. Increasing tin weight lowers the adhesion through the production of a thicker disorganized tin oxide layer which has a greater tendency to fracture under shearing forces. There is no evidence that the substrate roughness improves the adhesion of the lacquer. Analysis of the failure location identifies fracture in the tin oxide layer below the passivation layer. The findings have impacts on the next generation of passivation materials for tinplate as it has been clearly demonstrated that growth in tin oxide thickness, particularly when unstructured, has a detrimental impact on lacquer adhesion.
Shelf life prediction of oxygen‐sensitive products: The influence of moisture on prediction accuracy for freeze‐dried coffee
Authors: Witik Robert A. , Phoutthasak Sourixay , Collet Alain , Wyser Yves
Published: May 2019

Optimised packaging requires that properties are matched to the protection requirements of food for its shelf life duration. Benefits include reduced packaging costs, use volumes, and potentially improved environmental performance. The ability to predict product shelf life in different materials can assist in selecting optimal packaging. However, the availability of such tools is limited, and risk for over packing exists. The aim with this work is to develop a prediction approach which can be applied to assist users to select more optimal packaging materials. Soluble coffee was used to develop the approach, where oxygen consumption of the product is used as a quality indicator. The effect of moisture content on O2 consumption was studied to determine its influence on prediction accuracy. Samples were prepared with different levels of moisture content. O2 consumption rates were measured, and a notable influence of moisture was observed. A model was developed to predict the O2 consumption of the product when packed in a pouch. The model considers oxygen and moisture permeation properties of the packaging film, O2 and moisture differential between the interior and exterior of the packaging, and the evolution of the O2 consumption rate as a function of moisture increase. To test model accuracy, coffee samples were packed in flexible pouches, and O2 consumption was measured which showed that predicted and measured values shared the same trend characteristics. We show that considering both moisture and O2 ingress simultaneously leads to more precise shelf life prediction as oxidation rate is influenced by moisture content.
A review on non‐relativistic, fully numerical electronic structure calculations on atoms and diatomic molecules
Authors: Lehtola Susi
Published: May 2019

The need for accurate calculations on atoms and diatomic molecules is motivated by the opportunities and challenges of such studies. The most commonly used approach for all‐electron electronic structure calculations in general—the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method—is discussed in combination with Gaussian, Slater a.k.a. exponential, and numerical radial functions. Even though LCAO calculations have major benefits, their shortcomings motivate the need for fully numerical approaches based on, for example, finite differences, finite elements, or the discrete variable representation, which are also briefly introduced. Applications of fully numerical approaches for general molecules are briefly reviewed, and their challenges are discussed. It is pointed out that the high level of symmetry present in atoms and diatomic molecules can be exploited to fashion more efficient fully numerical approaches for these special cases, after which it is possible to routinely perform all‐electron Hartree‐Fock and density functional calculations directly at the basis set limit on such systems. Applications of fully numerical approaches to calculations on atoms as well as diatomic molecules are reviewed. Finally, a summary and outlook is given.
Synchronization and Estimation of Gravity‐Induced Time Difference for Quantum Clocks
Authors: Wang Jieci , Liu Tonghua , Jing Jiliang , Chen Songbai
Published: May 2019

It has recently been reported that, under an operational definition of time, quantum clocks would get entangled through gravitational effects. Here, an alternative scenario is studied: The clocks have different masses and energy gaps, which would produce time differences via gravitational interaction. The proposal of quantum clock synchronization (QCS) for the gravity‐induced time difference is discussed. It is illustrated how the stability of measurement probability in the QCS proposal is influenced by the gravitational interaction induced by the clocks themselves. It is found that the precision of clock synchronization depends on the energy gaps of the clocks and the improvement of precision in quantum metrology is in fact an indicator of entanglement generation. The quantum enhanced estimation of time difference is also presented and it is found that the quantum Fisher information is very sensitive to the distance between the clocks.
Electronic Doping Controlled Migration of Dislocations in Polycrystalline 2D WS2
Authors: Zou Xiaolong , Liu Mingjie , Yakobson Boris I.
Published: May 2019

Migration of dislocations not only determines the durability of large‐scale nanoelectronic and opto‐electronic devices based on polycrystalline 2D transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), but also plays an important role in enhancing the performance of novel memristors. However, a fundamental question of the migration dependence on the electronic effects, which are inevitable in practical field‐effect transistors based on 2D TMDCs, and its interplay with different dislocations, remains unexplored. Here, taking WS2 as an example, first‐principle calculations are used to show that the electronic contributions arising from defect states can greatly influence the migration barriers of dislocations. The barrier height can be reduced by as much as 50%, which is mainly attributed to the change in electronic occupation and the band energy of defect levels controlled by electronic chemical potential (Fermi level). The reduced barriers in turn lead to significantly enhanced migration, and thus the plasticity. Since defect levels from dislocations locate deep inside the bandgap, the doping‐induced tuning of barrier height can be achieved at relatively low doping concentration through either chemical doping or electrode gating. The effective electromechanical coupling in 2D TMDCs can provide new opportunities in material engineering for various potential applications.
2D Metal Chalcogenides for IR Photodetection
Authors: Wang Fakun , Zhang Yue , Gao Yu , Luo Peng , Su Jianwei , Han Wei , Liu Kailang , Li Huiqiao , Zhai Tianyou
Published: May 2019

Infrared (IR) photodetectors are finding diverse applications in imaging, information communication, military, etc. 2D metal chalcogenides (2DMCs) have attracted increasing interest in view of their unique structures and extraordinary physical properties. They have demonstrated outstanding IR detection performance including high responsivity and detectivity, high on/off ratio, fast response rate, stable room temperature operability, and good mechanical flexibility, which has opened up a new prospect in next‐generation IR photodetectors. This Review presents a comprehensive summary of recent progress in advanced IR photodetectors based on 2DMCs. The rationale of the photodetectors containing photocurrent generation mechanisms and performance parameters are briefly introduced. The device performances of 2DMCs‐based IR photodetectors are also systematically summarized, and some representative achievements are highlighted as well. Finally, conclusions and outlooks are delivered as a guideline for this thriving field.
Food Access, Program Participation, and Health: Research Using FoodAPS
Authors: Bitler Marianne P. , Gregory Christian
Published: May 2019

This piece is an introduction to the symposium on Food Access, Program Participation, and Health: Research using FoodAPS. The symposium includes articles presented at the National Bureau of Economic Research Conference on Food Security on December 7 and 8, 2017. The research herein was supported by the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, grant number 59‐5000‐5‐0115. The grant included funding to study the effects of various food assistance programs on outcomes, using data from the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (FoodAPS). We describe the programs and the FoodAPS data, and point out highlights from the articles.
Uniqueness in the determination of vibration sources in polygonal plates observing the displacement over a space‐time open set
Authors: Kawano Alexandre , Yamaoka Luís
Published: May 2019

In this article we deal with the identification of dynamical loading over the class of all plates with polygonal shapes that admit complete systems of trigonometric polynomials. It is proved that given an open set V in the interior of a plate with one of those shapes, using the displacement measured over V for a time interval longer than a minimum value, it is possible to identify uniquely the spatial distribution of the load acting over the plate.
The Deliberate Engagement of Narcissistic CEOs in Earnings Management
Authors: Buchholz Frerich , Lopatta Kerstin , Maas Karen
Published: May 2019

Corroborating upper echelons theory, this study picks up the notion that narcissistic chief executive officers (CEOs) take advantage of accounting choices to enhance their firms’—and inherently their own—personal track records. Using a set of 15 indicators, reflecting the narcissistic trait of 1126 CEOs for the period 1992 to 2012, we find evidence of highly narcissistic CEOs engaging in accrual-based earnings management (ABEM). In contrast to prior research, the results show evidence not only for income-increasing but also for income-decreasing ABEM. This indicates that highly narcissistic CEOs not only strive to influence stakeholders’ perception of current performance. We conclude that they also assess their potential to influence perception of current and future earnings. The results imply that highly narcissistic CEOs’ accounting choices are driven by self-serving behavior rather than by the intention to provide additional information to the market. When earnings management techniques are used to derive personal advantage from the presentation of a firm’s earnings, the literature refers to this as a case of low earnings quality reflecting unethical behavior. Accordingly, this study contributes to the field of business ethics by showing that CEO narcissism is related to low earnings quality in that it is associated to discretionarily decreasing accruals.
Four Dthats
Authors: Predelli Stefano
Published: May 2019

The distinction between a merely ‘rigidifying’ dthat and a directly-referential take on dthat-terms is well known, and is explicitly highlighted by Kaplan in Afterthoughts, his 1989 commentary on Demonstratives. What is not equally widely recognized is that Afterthoughts also oscillates between three different directly referential proposals. This essay discusses the semantic and philosophical implications of these different directly-referential interpretations of ‘dthat’, paying particular attention to (a) the relationships between syntactic and propositional structure, (b) the structure and makeup of contexts in the semantics of indexical languages, (c) the significance of context shifting devices and of so-called operators on character, and (d) the aims and scope of propositional semantics.
Characterization of Gas Hydrates Reservoirs in Krishna-Godavari Basin, Eastern Indian Margin
Authors: Ramu Rowtu , Sain Kalachand
Published: May 2019

Seismic inversion and attribute analysis techniques are frequently used in oil and gas industries to characterize a hydrocarbon reservoir. The gas hydrate reservoir in the Krishna-Godavari basin, eastern Indian margin, by analysis of high-resolution multi-channel seismic (MCS) data has been characterised. The model-based seismic inversion was performed to derive acoustic impedance (3220 m/s*g/cm3) followed by computation of seismic attributes for delineating the bottom simulating reflector or BSR, main marker for gas hydrates, and characterizing the hydrate-bearing sediments. The study shows the characteristics of BSR at a depth of ~125 m below sea floor (mbsf), and hence the presence of gas hydrates. The high velocity, low amplitude, high instantaneous frequency and low sweetness indicate presence of gas hydrates above the BSR, whereas low velocity, high reflection strength, low frequencies and high sweetness imply free gas underlying the BSR.
Alteration Assemblages and P-T during the Second Phase of Hydrothermal Mineralization in the Hutti Gold Deposit, Raichur District, Karnataka
Authors: Badhe K. V. , Pandalai H. S.
Published: May 2019

Chlorite is observed along with albite-epidote-calcite±quartz veins and opaque minerals in the distal and proximal zones of the Hutti underground exposures as well as with the albite-epidote- calcite-sphene±k-feldspar±quartz (“inner chlorite”) assemblage in the quartz reefs of Hutti. The undeformed nature of albite-epidote-calcite-chlorite ±quartz-opaque veinlets in the distal metabasalts and in the proximal alteration zone close to the main reefs at Hutti indicate that these veinlets are a late hydrothermal phase that was deposited in brittle fractures of the host-rock after the phase of ductile deformation. Estimates of temperature based on the chlorite geothermometry yield values of 330±40°C for chlorite in the coarse veins with albite-epidote-calcite-k-feldspar±quartz in the proximal alteration zone. The estimates of temperature of the assemblage in the “inner chlorite” assemblage within the quartz reef give values of 290±60°C. The study of fluids entrapped in calcite belonging to this assemblage show that they can be modeled by using the H2O-CO2-NaCl system with a high mole-percent of CO2 and low molepercent of H2O and NaCl. Estimates of pressure obtained from isochores constructed for the fluid inclusions in calcite from veins in the proximal alteration zone and independent estimates of temperature by chlorite geothermometry give an estimate of ~2 kbars for fluid pressure at the time of entrapment of the fluid inclusions. Since ore-mineralization associated with this assemblage is limited, it is inferred that this phase of mineralization may have resulted from re-mobilization of pre-existing ores.
Development of HUMGEOSTAT: A New Geological Tool for Geostatistical Analysis of Mineral Deposit: A Case Study at Sin Quyen Mine (Northern Vietnam)
Authors: Truong Xuan Luan , Truong Xuan Quang , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Raghavan Venkatesh , Nguyen Chi Cong
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the results of the design and implementation of a new geological tool, named as HUMGEOSTAT, for advanced geostatistical analysis of mineral deposit, a case study at the Sin Quyen, one of the important mines for the Vietnam mining industry in Vietnam. The tool is developed based on the Stanford Geostatistical Modeling Software (SgeMS) platform, which is an open-source computer package for solving problems involving spatially related variables. The tool is capable of supporting users in reducing uncertainty and improving the quality of mining exploration tasks. The tool has all the functions needed to solve a complete geostatistical issues i.e. Variogram models (such as Spherical, Exponential, Gausian, Linear and Pure nugget effect); and four commonly used Kriging methods (Ordinary Kriging, Simple Kriging, Indicator Kriging, Co-Kriging). The tool was applied to test various types of input data and particularly for complex copper ore bodies of Sin Quyen mine. The results of analysis of orebody spatial structure has found that Cu content has non-uniform change, regional anisotropy in north-south (0±22.5°) direction, and anisotropic index is around 1.3. The mineral reserves are estimated according to sub-blocks and points in the orebody-space. The results indicate that the Ordinary Kriging (OK) has reliable results, variance estimation is small; the predicted result gained from OK have strong correlation (K=0.905) with ore samples. HUMGEOSTAT was applied at the Sin Quyen mine and various coal mines, the results were adapted with reality of mines.
Hypothalamus – Response to early paracetamol exposure in male rats offspring
Authors: Blecharz‐Klin Kamilla , Wawer Adriana , Pyrzanowska Justyna , Piechal Agnieszka , Jawna‐Zboińska Katarzyna , Widy‐Tyszkiewicz Ewa
Published: May 2019

One of the reasons for using paracetamol during pregnancy is fever. The brain structure responsible for maintaining proper body temperature, but also for controlling some endocrine aspects is hypothalamus. In this study we examined the effect of early pretreatment of paracetamol on hypothalamic neurotransmission in rats' offspring. We used two‐month old rats previously exposed to paracetamol at doses of 5 (P5) and 15 mg/kg (P15) during gestational development and next postnatally. The concentration of monoamines, their metabolites and amino acids in hypothalamus was chromatographically determined. The results of biochemical analysis were compared with the Control animals (Con).

We found differences between groups in the concentration of main noradrenaline metabolite in hypothalamus. The control group had significantly higher level of 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) compared with rats exposed to paracetamol (F(2,27) = 7.96, p < 0.005). Simultaneously the level of dopamine (DA) (F(2,27) = 4.33, p < 0.05) and its metabolite ‐ homovanillic acid (HVA) (F(2,27) = 17.03, p < 0.005) was increased in the hypothalamus of animals treated with lower dose of the drug. Biochemical analyses show an increase in 3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid (DOPAC) concentration in P5 group compared to the control rats and group treated with higher dose of paracetamol (F(2,27) = 7.37, p < 0.005). In the hypothalamus significant decrease of glutamic acid concentration was also observed in the group treated with paracetamol at dose of 5 mg.

These results demonstrated that paracetamol had a significant effect on dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission and changed the concentration of glutamic acid in hypothalamus ‐ heat‐regulating center and important element of hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ gonadal axis.
Editorial
Authors: Mansfield-Devine Steve
Published: May 2019

Rape victims in the UK are being told that they must surrender access to their phones and social media accounts or risk having their cases withdrawn.
How readable are data breach notifications?
Authors: Jackson Stephen
Published: May 2019

Data breaches – broadly defined as incidents where protected data that is considered sensitive and confidential has been disclosed, accessed and/or altered in an unauthorised manner – present a growing threat to society and organisations. While much of the focus to date has been on technical countermeasures, particularly the ways to prevent and detect security threats associated with data breach incidents, we also need greater insights into the readability of the notification response used by firms to alert affected consumers after a suspected incident has taken place.

Data breaches – where protected data that is considered sensitive and confidential has been accessed in an unauthorised manner – present a growing threat to society and organisations.

While much of the focus to date has been on technical countermeasures, we also need greater insights into the readability of the notification response used by firms to alert affected consumers after a suspected incident has taken place. Stephen Jackson of the University of London examines ways in which we can judge how comprehensible breach notifications are and how we can go about improving them.
IoT security: could careless talk cost livelihoods?
Authors: Sollars Marc
Published: May 2019

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) promises exciting capabilities for business but could it usher in risks that are difficult to assess, let alone deal with? In a world where companies can use Alexa to help set up new office IT, could unsecured IoT systems be the equivalent of careless talk giving away company secrets – and endangering livelihoods?

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) promises exciting capabilities for business but could it usher in risks that are difficult to assess, let alone deal with?

Unsecured IoT systems could be the equivalent of careless talk giving away company secrets and endangering livelihoods. IoT-enabled devices behind cutting-edge consumer and business products must talk securely to the company's core IT and business systems. Without this secure conversation, IoT's learning capabilities could simply enable hackers to carry out wider-scale attacks, explains Marc Sollars of Teneo.
How ethical hacking can protect organisations from a greater threat
Authors: Nicholson Scott
Published: May 2019

As digital technologies are becoming embedded in all aspects of life, cyber attacks can come from many directions. A significant proportion of these attacks pose serious risks to critical data, infrastructure and processes within all manner of organisations, both large and small.
Horizontal diffusive motion of columnar vortices in rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Noto D. , Tasaka Y. , Yanagisawa T. , Murai Y.
Published: May 2019

In laboratory experiments, horizontal translational motion of columnar vortices formed in rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection was investigated. Two types of measurements, vertical velocity fields and horizontal temperature fields, were conducted with water as the test fluid. Using particle image velocimetry, the vertical velocity fields determined the parameter range at which the quasi-two-dimensional columnar vortices emerged. Locally, the duration characteristics of the columns, evaluated with their vertical coherence, indicate the minimum time scale of translational motion of the vortices in the horizontal plane. Vortex tracking of the horizontal temperature fields over long observation periods (${>}10^{3}~\text{s}$) was conducted using encapsulated thermochromic liquid crystal visualization. Two cylindrical vessels with different radii showed the emergence of the centrifugal effect in $O({>}10^{2}~\text{s})$ despite the small Froude number ($Fr<0.1$). Further, in the horizontal plane the columnar vortices behaved in a random-walk-like diffusive motion. The statistically calculated mean-squared displacements indicated anomalous diffusive motion of the columns; displacement increasing with time as $t^{\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}}$ with $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}\neq 1$. We discuss the causes of this anomaly in both the instantaneous and long-term statistical data gathered from experimental observations over different time scales. The enclosure effect from the repulsion of up-welling and down-welling vortices ensures that vortices diffuse only little, resulting in a sub-diffusive (decelerated) motion $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}<1$ in $O(10^{1}~\text{s})$. With this weak centrifugal contribution, the translational motion of the columns slowly accelerates in the radial direction and thereby yields a super-diffusive (accelerated) motion $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FE}>1$ in $O(10^{2}~\text{s})$.
14C Age Offset in the Mar Piccolo Sea Basin in Taranto (Southern Italy) Estimated on Cerastoderma Glaucum (Poiret, 1789)
Authors: Quarta Gianluca , Fago Paola , Calcagnile Lucio , Cipriano Giulia , D’Elia Marisa , Moretti Massimo , Scardino Giovanni , Valenzano Eliana , Mastronuzzi Giuseppe
Published: May 2019

The stratigraphic succession of the Mar Piccolo basin (Gulf of Taranto, Southern Italy) is well known in the scientific literature dealing with the last interglacial since its morphological evolution is influenced by sea level changes during Late Pleistocene-Holocene. The local Holocene sea level history is well known thanks to data deriving from peat and ash layers identified in different sediment cores obtained underwater and in coastal areas. Peat sediments are frequently interlayed with muddy-sand beds rich in Cerastoderma glaucum (Poiret, 1789). In the literature of the Mediterranean basin, AMS 14C dating on C. glaucum is widely used also in paleo-environmental reconstruction because this bivalve is considered an useful marker of sea level, though in lagoonal systems, large age offsets have been reported in different areas. Due to the availability of precise chronological and geochronological markers, in order to validate the use of C. glaucum in paleo sea level reconstruction, AMS 14C dating campaign was carried out on this bivalve deriving from several cores drilled in the Mar Piccolo basin and its nearby areas. Nineteen AMS 14C dating analyses carried out on C. glaucum sampled from different sediment cores up to a maximum of 30 m from the seafloor are presented. These results show an inconsistency of the ages in relation to a sea-level rise reconstruction model. The interpretation of the data was performed after the estimation of the local age offset calculated by analyzing six live samples, collected in 2017 in Mar Piccolo and in Croatia, and two samples dated to 1968–1969. The results show that for both the classes of samples (2017 and 1960s) an age offset ranging from 600 to 800 yr can be estimated.
Abrupt Increase of Radiocarbon Concentration in 660 BC in Tree Rings from Grabie Near Kraków (SE Poland)
Authors: Rakowski Andrzej , Krąpiec Marek , Huels Matthias , Pawlyta Jacek , Hamann Christian , Wiktorowski Damian
Published: May 2019

Miyake et al. (2012, 2013, 2014) described a sudden increase of radiocarbon (14C) concentration in annual tree rings of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) between AD 774 and 775 and between AD 993 and 994. In both analyzed periods, the sudden increase was observed almost in a single year. The increase in the 14C content was about 12‰ in the period AD 774–775 (Miyake et al. 2012) and about 11.3‰ in the period AD 993–994 (Miyake et al. 2013, 2014; Fogtmann-Schultz et al. 2017; Rakowski et al. 2018). A similar increase was observed in 660 BC, with a peak height of about 10‰ (Park et al. 2017). Single-year samples of dendrochronologically dated tree rings of deciduous oak (Quercus robur) from Grabie, a village near Krakow (SE Poland), spanning the years 670–652 BC, were collected and their 14C content was measured using an AMS technique. The results clearly show a rapid increase in the 14C concentration in tree rings around 660 BC similar to this observed in Park et al. (2017).
Beyond Liberal Peacemaking: Lessons from Israeli-Palestinian Diplomatic Peacemaking
Authors: Zalzberg Ofer
Published: May 2019

This article briefly reviews the faults and merits of peacemaking efforts anchored in liberal ideologies. It further calls for a shift in strategy and outlines an approach that seeks transformation of conflicts through acknowledging the ways in which contrasting worldviews undergird and sustain the political conflict.
BLANKET BANS, SUBSIDIARITY, AND THE PROCEDURAL TURN OF THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Authors: Cumper Peter , Lewis Tom
Published: May 2019

In recent years several commentators have identified a ‘procedural turn’ by the European Court of Human Rights whereby it places increased emphasis on the presence or absence and/or quality of legislative and judicial deliberations at domestic level when assessing the proportionality of allegedly rights-infringing measures. One area where the procedural turn has been particularly apparent is in relation to cases involving blanket bans on activities protected by the European Convention. On most accounts this move to ‘process-based review’ is causally linked to the principle of subsidiarity. In this article it is argued that whilst the shift to process-based review may generally have sound justifications in terms of the subsidiary role of the European Court as compared to States parties to the Convention, there are nevertheless several ironic downsides to this approach in the case of blanket bans, in terms of the certainty and predictability of the Court's case law. Furthermore, and more critically, there may be serious consequences in terms of the rights protection afforded to vulnerable minorities within States who may be at the receiving end of such legislative blanket bans.