bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Threats to New Product Innovativeness and the Effects of Supplier Influence Processes
Authors: Chong Kuok Wei , Hashim Nik Mohd Hazrul Nik
Published: January 2016

Innovation can be best described as the adoption of an idea or behaviour pertaining to a product, service, device, system, policy or programme that is new to an organization. Many companies nowadays develop and pursue innovative new products as a strategic move to gain competitive share in the market, and many do so by launching new products before competitors moving in. However, to produce innovation effectively, they need support from various operating sections and one of the main sections comes from suppliers. Because managers are always confronted with competitive pressures from newly developed products by rivals, collaborative efforts with experienced suppliers can help companies develope new products more efficiently, especially to cut costs and reduce time to develop new product. Innovative new products from major players in the industry can also have a potential detrimental impact on profitability. To deal with this situation, the authors will discuss how the role of supplier influence can minimize this problem. A model and several propositions are introduced to illustrate potential effects between relavant research variables. First, the relationships between all independent variables (threats to innovation and supplier influence) and new product innovativness were examined. Second, the study assesses whether greater supplier influence would positively moderate the domain relationships. The study advocates that supplier influence is an issue of paramount importance for practitioners in most industries and is an essentail element in the marketing mix that impacts directly on revenue. This study contributes to both theoretical and practical perspectives.
Investigating Consumption-Related Emotions Elicited by Selected Dairy Products Using Product Emotion Measurement
Authors: Yao Valery Y.
Published: January 2016

This article investigates the mediating role of specific emotions attached to the consumption of milk, yoghurt, cheese, and maas (Note 1) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. To this end, 81 South African dairy consumers’ consumption experiences were assessed through the use of the Product Emotion measurement (PrEmo). Computer-aided web interviews (CAWI) were used to collect the data. The findings indicate that ultimately, dairy consumption is emotionally-driven. The findings also clearly offer strong support that the notion of consumer emotion is a much better indicator for assessing and improving consumer experience. The uncovered strong emotions elicited by the selected generic dairy products should be considered by dairy marketers as critical building blocks in creating dairy marketing messages. Measuring consumers’ consumption experience as integral part of a marketing programme is the first study of its kind in the South African dairy industry.
Relationship between the durations of jumps in solar wind time series and the frequency of the spectral break
Authors: Podesta John J. , Borovsky Joseph E.
Published: January 2016

Several physically motivated examples of stochastic processes that exhibit discontinuous jumps at random times are used to show that if the discontinuous jumps are replaced by continuous or smooth transitions with an average duration Δt, then the power spectral density of the process develops a high‐frequency spectral break at a frequency of order ωb = π/Δt. Conversely, if the spectrum of the original process is altered by imposing a high‐frequency spectral break, as may be accomplished by filtering with a low‐pass filter of some kind, then the discontinuous jumps in the original signal are replaced by continuous jumps having a duration of magnitude Δt = π/ωb, where ωb is the break frequency of the altered spectrum. These results suggest that for any stochastic process containing randomly occurring jumps in the time domain and a high‐frequency spectral break in the spectral domain with break frequency ωb, the average durations of the jumps are of order Δt = π/ωb. This result is closely connected with the sampling theorem and the uncertainty principle for Fourier transform pairs and demonstrates that the physical processes responsible for the dissipation of solar wind turbulence also determine the thicknesses of the strongest current sheets in the solar wind.
Localized reconnection in the magnetotail driven by lobe flow channels: Global MHD simulation
Authors: Nishimura Y. , Lyons L. R.
Published: January 2016

Recent ionospheric measurements suggest polar cap flow channels often trigger nightside auroral brightening. However, measurements were limited to the ionosphere, and it was not understood if such flow channels can exist in the lobe and can trigger magnetotail reconnection in a localized cross‐tail extent. We examined if localized flow channels can form self‐consistently in a global MHD regime, and if so, how such flow channels originate and relate to localized magnetotail reconnection. We show that lobe convection became nonuniform with azimuthally narrow flow channels (enhanced dawn‐dusk electric fields) of ~3 RE cross‐tail width. The flow channels propagated from the dayside toward the plasma sheet as an interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) discontinuity swept tailward. The plasma sheet around the lobe flow channels became thinner with a similar cross‐tail extent and then localized reconnection occurred. These results suggest that localized flow channels can propagate tailward across the lobe and drive localized magnetotail reconnection, that the cross‐tail width of reconnection and resulting plasma sheet flow channels and dipolarization fronts are related to the width of inflow from the lobe, and that IMF discontinuities drive lobe flow channels.
Effects of coarse grain size distribution and fine particle content on pore fluid pressure and shear behavior in experimental debris flows
Authors: Kaitna Roland , Palucis Marisa C. , Yohannes Bereket , Hill Kimberly M. , Dietrich William E.
Published: January 2016

Debris flows are typically a saturated mixture of poorly sorted particles and interstitial fluid, whose density and flow properties depend strongly on the presence of suspended fine sediment. Recent research suggests that grain size distribution (GSD) influences excess pore pressures (i.e., pressure in excess of predicted hydrostatic pressure), which in turn plays a governing role in debris flow behaviors. We report a series of controlled laboratory experiments in a 4 m diameter vertically rotating drum where the coarse particle size distribution and the content of fine particles were varied independently. We measured basal pore fluid pressures, pore fluid pressure profiles (using novel sensor probes), velocity profiles, and longitudinal profiles of the flow height. Excess pore fluid pressure was significant for mixtures with high fines fraction. Such flows exhibited lower values for their bulk flow resistance (as measured by surface slope of the flow), had damped fluctuations of normalized fluid pressure and normal stress, and had velocity profiles where the shear was concentrated at the base of the flow. These effects were most pronounced in flows with a wide coarse GSD distribution. Sustained excess fluid pressure occurred during flow and after cessation of motion. Various mechanisms may cause dilation and contraction of the flows, and we propose that the sustained excess fluid pressures during flow and once the flow has stopped may arise from hindered particle settling and yield strength of the fluid, resulting in transfer of particle weight to the fluid. Thus, debris flow behavior may be strongly influenced by sustained excess fluid pressures controlled by particle settling rates.
Adaptive response to l‐serine deficiency is mediated by p38 MAPK activation via 1‐deoxysphinganine in normal fibroblasts
Authors: Sayano Tomoko , Kawano Yuki , Kusada Wataru , Arimoto Yashiho , Esaki Kayoko , Hamano Momoko , Udono Miyako , Katakura Yoshinori , Ogawa Takuya , Kato Hisanori , Hirabayashi Yoshio , Furuya Shigeki
Published: January 2016

Reduced availability of l‐serine limits cell proliferation and leads to an adaptation to l‐serine‐deficient environment, the underlying molecular mechanism of which remain largely unexplored. Genetic ablation of 3‐phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (Phgdh), which catalyzes the first step of de novo l‐serine synthesis, led to diminished cell proliferation and the activation of p38 MAPK and stress‐activated protein kinase/Jun amino‐terminal kinase in mouse embryonic fibroblasts under l‐serine depletion. The resultant l‐serine deficiency induced cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1a (Cdkn1a; p21) expression, which was mediated by p38 MAPK. Survival of the Phgdh‐deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts was markedly reduced by p38 MAPK inhibition under l‐serine depletion, whereas p38 MAPK could be activated by 1‐deoxysphinganine, an atypical alanine‐derived sphingoid base that was found to accumulate in l‐serine‐depleted mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These observations provide persuasive evidence that when the external l‐serine supply is limited, l‐serine synthesized de novo in proliferating cells serves as a metabolic gatekeeper to maintain cell survival and the functions necessary for executing cell cycle progression.

Database

Gene Expression Omnibus, accession number GSE55687.
Characterization of a novel bioreactor system for 3D cellular mechanobiology studies
Authors: Cook Colin A. , Huri Pinar Y. , Ginn Brian P. , Gilbert‐Honick Jordana , Somers Sarah M. , Temple Joshua P. , Mao Hai‐Quan , Grayson Warren L.
Published: January 2016

In vitro engineering systems can be powerful tools for studying tissue development in response to biophysical stimuli as well as for evaluating the functionality of engineered tissue grafts. It has been challenging, however, to develop systems that adequately integrate the application of biomimetic mechanical strain to engineered tissue with the ability to assess functional outcomes in real time. The aim of this study was to design a bioreactor system capable of real‐time conditioning (dynamic, uniaxial strain, and electrical stimulation) of centimeter‐long 3D tissue engineered constructs simultaneously with the capacity to monitor local strains. The system addresses key limitations of uniform sample loading and real‐time imaging capabilities. Our system features an electrospun fibrin scaffold, which exhibits physiologically relevant stiffness and uniaxial alignment that facilitates cell adhesion, alignment, and proliferation. We have demonstrated the capacity for directly incorporating human adipose‐derived stromal/stem cells into the fibers during the electrospinning process and subsequent culture of the cell‐seeded constructs in the bioreactor. The bioreactor facilitates accurate pre‐straining of the 3D constructs as well as the application of dynamic and static uniaxial strains while monitoring bulk construct tensions. The incorporation of fluorescent nanoparticles throughout the scaffolds enables in situ monitoring of local strain fields using fluorescent digital image correlation techniques, since the bioreactor is imaging compatible, and allows the assessment of local sample stiffness and stresses when coupled with force sensor measurements. In addition, the system is capable of measuring the electromechanical coupling of skeletal muscle explants by applying an electrical stimulus and simultaneously measuring the force of contraction. The packaging of these technologies, biomaterials, and analytical methods into a single bioreactor system has produced a powerful tool that will enable improved engineering of functional 3D ligaments, tendons, and skeletal muscles. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1825–1837. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A MS‐lesion pattern discrimination plot based on geostatistics
Authors: Marschallinger Robert , Schmidt Paul , Hofmann Peter , Zimmer Claus , Atkinson Peter M. , Sellner Johann , Trinka Eugen , Mühlau Mark
Published: January 2016

Introduction

A geostatistical approach to characterize MS‐lesion patterns based on their geometrical properties is presented.

Methods

A dataset of 259 binary MS‐lesion masks in MNI space was subjected to directional variography. A model function was fit to express the observed spatial variability in x, y, z directions by the geostatistical parameters Range and Sill.

Results

Parameters Range and Sill correlate with MS‐lesion pattern surface complexity and total lesion volume. A scatter plot of ln(Range) versus ln(Sill), classified by pattern anisotropy, enables a consistent and clearly arranged presentation of MS‐lesion patterns based on geometry: the so‐called MS‐Lesion Pattern Discrimination Plot.

Conclusions

The geostatistical approach and the graphical representation of results are considered efficient exploratory data analysis tools for cross‐sectional, follow‐up, and medication impact analysis.
Chromosomal rearrangements, phenotypic variation and modularity: a case study from a contact zone between house mouse Robertsonian races in Central Italy
Authors: Franchini Paolo , Colangelo Paolo , Meyer Axel , Fruciano Carmelo
Published: January 2016

The Western European house mouse, Mus musculus domesticus, is well‐known for the high frequency of Robertsonian fusions that have rapidly produced more than 50 karyotipic races, making it an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of chromosomal speciation. The mouse mandible is one of the traits studied most intensively to investigate the effect of Robertsonian fusions on phenotypic variation within and between populations. This complex bone structure has also been widely used to study the level of integration between different morphogenetic units. Here, with the aim of testing the effect of different karyotypic assets on the morphology of the mouse mandible and on its level of modularity, we performed morphometric analyses of mice from a contact area between two highly metacentric races in Central Italy. We found no difference in size, while the mandible shape was found to be different between the two Robertsonian races, even after accounting for the genetic relationships among individuals and geographic proximity. Our results support the existence of two modules that indicate a certain degree of evolutionary independence, but no difference in the strength of modularity between chromosomal races. Moreover, the ascending ramus showed more pronounced interpopulation/race phenotypic differences than the alveolar region, an effect that could be associated to their different polygenic architecture. This study suggests that chromosomal rearrangements play a role in the house mouse phenotypic divergence, and that the two modules of the mouse mandible are differentially affected by environmental factors and genetic makeup.
Sperm performance in conspecific and heterospecific female fluid
Authors: Cramer Emily R. A. , Stensrud Even , Marthinsen Gunnhild , Hogner Silje , Johannessen Lars Erik , Laskemoen Terje , Eybert Marie‐Christine , Slagsvold Tore , Lifjeld Jan T. , Johnsen Arild
Published: January 2016

Divergent sexual selection within allopatric populations may result in divergent sexual phenotypes, which can act as reproductive barriers between populations upon secondary contact. This hypothesis has been most tested on traits involved in precopulatory sexual selection, with less work focusing on traits that act after copulation and before fertilization (i.e., postcopulatory prezygotic traits), particularly in internally fertilizing vertebrates. However, postcopulatory sexual selection within species can also drive trait divergence, resulting in reduced performance of heterospecific sperm within the female reproductive tract. Such incompatibilities, arising as a by‐product of divergent postcopulatory sexual selection in allopatry, can represent reproductive barriers, analogous to species‐assortative mating preferences. Here, we tested for postcopulatory prezygotic reproductive barriers between three pairs of taxa with diverged sperm phenotypes and moderate‐to‐high opportunity for postcopulatory sexual selection (barn swallowsHirundo rusticaversus sand martinsRiparia riparia, two subspecies of bluethroats,Luscinia svecica svecicaversusL. s. namnetum,and great titsParus majorversus blue titsCyanistes caeruleus). We tested sperm swimming performance in fluid from the outer reproductive tract of females, because the greatest reduction in sperm number in birds occurs as sperm swim across the vagina. Contrary to our expectations, sperm swam equally well in fluid from conspecific and heterospecific females, suggesting that postcopulatory prezygotic barriers do not act between these taxon pairs, at this stage between copulation and fertilization. We therefore suggest that divergence in sperm phenotypes in allopatry is insufficient to cause widespread postcopulatory prezygotic barriers in the form of impaired sperm swimming performance in passerine birds.
Transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs): An efficient tool for plant genome editing
Authors: Bhushan Kul , Pratap Dharmendra , Sharma Pradeep K.
Published: January 2016

Transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs) are a novel class of genome editing tools that provide precise insertion, deletion, or substitution of specific genes in order to alter the genome. TALENs consist of a designed TALE domain that mimics the natural transcription activator‐like effector proteins and a nuclease that can cleave DNA in cells. TALENs have recently emerged as a revolutionary genome editing tools in numerous species and cell types. Here, we review the development of TALEN technology and summarize the principles and tools for TALEN‐mediated genome modification in plant cells.
Improved spatial delineation of streambed properties and water fluxes using distributed temperature sensing
Authors: Halloran Landon J. S. , Roshan Hamid , Rau Gabriel C. , Andersen Martin S. , Acworth R. Ian
Published: January 2016

A new method was developed for analysing and delineating streambed water fluxes, flow conditions and hydraulic properties using coiled fibre‐optic distributed temperature sensing or closely spaced discrete temperature sensors. This method allows for a thorough treatment of the spatial information embedded in temperature data by creating a matrix visualization of all possible sensor pairs. Application of the method to a 5‐day field dataset reveals the complexity of shallow streambed thermal regimes. To understand how velocity estimates are affected by violations of assumptions of one‐dimensional, saturated, homogeneous flow and to aid in the interpretation of field observations, the method was also applied to temperature data generated by numerical models of common field conditions: horizontal layering, presence of lateral flow and variable streambed saturation. The results show that each condition creates a distinct signature visible in the triangular matrices. The matrices are used to perform a comparison of the behaviour of one‐dimensional analytical heat‐tracing models. The results show that the amplitude ratio‐based method of velocity calculation leads to the most reliable estimates. The minimum sensor spacing required to obtain reliable velocity estimates with discrete sensors is also investigated using field data. The developed method will aid future heat‐tracing studies by providing a technique for visualizing and comparing results from fibre‐optic distributed temperature sensing installations and testing the robustness of analytical heat‐tracing models. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesenchymal stem cells and alginate microcarriers for craniofacial bone tissue engineering: A review
Authors: Saltz Adam , Kandalam Umadevi
Published: January 2016

Craniofacial bone is a complex structure with an intricate anatomical and physiological architecture. The defects that exist in this region therefore require a precise control of osteogenesis in their reconstruction. Unlike traditional surgical intervention, tissue engineering techniques mediate bone development with limited postoperative risk and cost. Alginate stands as the premier polymer in bone repair because of its mild ionotropic gelation and excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and injectability. Alginate microcarriers are candidates of choice to mediate cells and accommodate into 3‐D environment. Several studies reported the use of alginate microcarriers for delivering cells, drugs, and growth factors. This review will explore the potential use of alginate microcarrier for stem cell systems and its application in craniofacial bone tissue engineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1276–1284, 2016.
In situ plasma fabrication of ceramic‐like structure on polymeric implant with enhanced surface hardness, cytocompatibility and antibacterial capability
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Wei , Shi Haigang , Yang Kun , Wang Gexia , Wang Pingli , Ji Junhui , Chu Paul K.
Published: January 2016

Polymeric materials are commonly found in orthopedic implants due to their unique mechanical properties and biocompatibility but the poor surface hardness and bacterial infection hamper many biomedical applications. In this study, a ceramic‐like surface structure doped with silver is produced by successive plasma implantation of silicon (Si) and silver (Ag) into the polyamine 66 (PA66) substrate. Not only the surface hardness and elastic modulus are greatly enhanced due to the partial surface carbonization and the ceramic‐like structure produced by the reaction between energetic Si and the carbon chain of PA66, but also the antibacterial activity is improved because of the combined effects rendered by Ag and SiC structure. Furthermore, the modified materials which exhibit good cytocompatibility upregulate bone‐related genes and proteins expressions of the contacted bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). For the first time, it explores out that BMSCs osteogenesis on the antibacterial ceramic‐like structure is mediated via the iNOS and nNOS signal pathways. The results reveal that in situ plasma fabrication of an antibacterial ceramic‐like structure can endow PA66 with excellent surface hardness, cytocompatibility, as well as antibacterial capability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1102–1112, 2016.
Activation of mTORC1 in B Lymphocytes Promotes Osteoclast Formation via Regulation of β-Catenin and RANKL/OPG
Authors: Xu Song , Zhang Yue , Liu Bin , Li Kai , Huang Bin , Yan Bo , Zhang Zhongmin , Liang Kangyan , Jia Chunhong , Lin Jun , Zeng Chun , Cai Daozhang , Jin Dadi , Jiang Yu , Bai Xiaochun
Published: January 2016

The cytokine receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) induces osteoclast formation from monocyte/macrophage lineage cells. However, the mechanisms by which RANKL expression is controlled in cells that support osteoclast differentiation are still unclear. We show that deletion of TSC1 (tuberous sclerosis complex 1) in murine B cells causes constitutive activation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and stimulates RANKL but represses osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression and subsequently promotes osteoclast formation and causes osteoporosis in mice. Furthermore, the regulation of RANKL/OPG and stimulation of osteoclastogenesis by mTORC1 was confirmed in a variety of RANKL-expressing cells and in vivo. Mechanistically, mTORC1 controls RANKL/OPG expression through negative feedback inactivation of Akt, destabilization of β-catenin mRNA, and downregulation of β-catenin. Our findings demonstrate that mTORC1 activation-stimulated RANKL expression in B cells is sufficient to induce bone loss and osteoporosis. The study also established a link between mTORC1 and the RANKL/OPG axis via negative regulation of β-catenin. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bee Venom Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice by Suppressing Activating Transcription Factor‐3 (ATF‐3) and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS)‐Mediated Oxidative Stress and Recruiting Bone Marrow‐Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Badr Gamal , Hozzein Wael N. , Badr Badr M. , Al Ghamdi Ahmad , Saad Eldien Heba M. , Garraud Olivier
Published: January 2016

Multiple mechanisms contribute to impaired diabetic wound healing including impaired neovascularization and deficient endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) recruitment. Bee venom (BV) has been used as an anti‐inflammatory agent for the treatment of several diseases. Nevertheless, the effect of BV on the healing of diabetic wounds has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of BV on diabetic wound closure in a type I diabetic mouse model. Three experimental groups were used: group 1, non‐diabetic control mice; group 2, diabetic mice; and group 3, diabetic mice treated with BV. We found that the diabetic mice exhibited delayed wound closure characterized by a significant decrease in collagen production and prolonged elevation of inflammatory cytokines levels in wounded tissue compared to control non‐diabetic mice. Additionally, wounded tissue in diabetic mice revealed aberrantly up‐regulated expression of ATF‐3 and iNOS followed by a marked elevation in free radical levels. Impaired diabetic wound healing was also characterized by a significant elevation in caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 activity and a marked reduction in the expression of TGF‐β and VEGF, which led to decreased neovascularization and angiogenesis of the injured tissue by impairing EPC mobilization. Interestingly, BV treatment significantly enhanced wound closure in diabetic mice by increasing collagen production and restoring the levels of inflammatory cytokines, free radical, TGF‐β, and VEGF. Most importantly, BV‐treated diabetic mice exhibited mobilized long‐lived EPCs by inhibiting caspase activity in the wounded tissue. Our findings reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying improved diabetic wound healing and closure following BV treatment. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2159–2171, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Baleen wear reveals intraoral water flow patterns of mysticete filter feeding
Authors: Werth Alexander J. , Straley Janice M. , Shadwick Robert E.
Published: January 2016

A survey of macroscopic and microscopic wear patterns in the baleen of eight whale species (Cetacea: Mysticeti) discloses structural, functional, and life history properties of this neomorphic keratinous tissue, including evidence of intraoral water flow patterns involved in filter feeding. All baleen demonstrates wear, particularly on its medial and ventral edges, as flat outer layers of cortical keratin erode to reveal horn tubes, also of keratin, which emerge as hair‐like fringes. This study quantified five additional categories of specific wear: pitting of plates, scratching of plates, scuffing of fringes, shortening of fringes, and reorientation of fringes (including fringes directed between plates to the exterior of the mouth). Blue whale baleen showed the most pitting and sei whale baleen the most scratching; gray whale baleen had the most fringe wear. The location of worn baleen within the mouth suggests that direct contact with the tongue is not responsible for most wear, and that flowing water as well as abrasive prey or sediment carried by the flowing water likely causes pitting and scratching of plates as well as fringe fraying, scuffing, shortening, and reorientation. Baleen also has elevated vertical and horizontal ridges that are unrelated to wear; these are probably related to growth and may allow for age determination. J. Morphol. 277:453–471, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does hydration status affect MRI measures of brain volume or water content?
Authors: Meyers Sandra M. , Tam Roger , Lee Jimmy S. , Kolind Shannon H. , Vavasour Irene M. , Mackie Emilie , Zhao Yinshan , Laule Cornelia , Mädler Burkhard , Li David K.B. , MacKay Alex L. , Traboulsee Anthony L.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

To determine whether differences in hydration state, which could arise from routine clinical procedures such as overnight fasting, affect brain total water content (TWC) and brain volume measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers were scanned with a 3T MR scanner four times: day 1, baseline scan; day 2, hydrated scan after consuming 3L of water over 12 hours; day 3, dehydrated scan after overnight fasting of 9 hours, followed by another scan 1 hour later for reproducibility. The following MRI data were collected: T2 relaxation (for TWC measurement), inversion recovery (for T1 measurement), and 3D T1‐weighted (for brain volumes). Body weight and urine specific gravity were also measured. TWC was calculated by fitting the T2 relaxation data with a nonnegative least‐squares algorithm, with corrections for T1 relaxation and image signal inhomogeneity and normalization to ventricular cerebrospinal fluid. Brain volume changes were measured using SIENA. TWC means were calculated within 14 tissue regions.

Results

Despite indications of dehydration as demonstrated by increases in urine specific gravity (P = 0.03) and decreases in body weight (P = 0.001) between hydrated and dehydrated scans, there was no measurable change in TWC (within any brain region) or brain volume between hydration states.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that within a range of physiologic conditions commonly encountered in routine clinical scans (no pretreatment with hydration, well hydrated before MRI, and overnight fasting), brain TWC and brain volumes are not substantially affected in a healthy control cohort. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:296–304.
Contribution of mechanical unloading to trabecular bone loss following non‐invasive knee injury in mice
Authors: Anderson Matthew J. , Diko Sindi , Baehr Leslie M. , Baar Keith , Bodine Sue C. , Christiansen Blaine A.
Published: January 2016

Development of osteoarthritis commonly involves degeneration of epiphyseal trabecular bone. In previous studies, we observed 30–44% loss of epiphyseal trabecular bone (BV/TV) from the distal femur within 1 week following non‐invasive knee injury in mice. Mechanical unloading (disuse) may contribute to this bone loss; however, it is unclear to what extent the injured limb is unloaded following injury, and whether disuse can fully account for the observed magnitude of bone loss. In this study, we investigated the contribution of mechanical unloading to trabecular bone changes observed following non‐invasive knee injury in mice (female C57BL/6N). We investigated changes in gait during treadmill walking, and changes in voluntary activity level using Open Field analysis at 4, 14, 28, and 42 days post‐injury. We also quantified epiphyseal trabecular bone using μCT and weighed lower‐limb muscles to quantify atrophy following knee injury in both ground control and hindlimb unloaded (HLU) mice. Gait analysis revealed a slightly altered stride pattern in the injured limb, with a decreased stance phase and increased swing phase. However, Open Field analysis revealed no differences in voluntary movement between injured and sham mice at any time point. Both knee injury and HLU resulted in comparable magnitudes of trabecular bone loss; however, HLU resulted in considerably more muscle loss than knee injury, suggesting another mechanism contributing to bone loss following injury. Altogether, these data suggest that mechanical unloading likely contributes to trabecular bone loss following non‐invasive knee injury, but the magnitude of this bone loss cannot be fully explained by disuse. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1680–1687, 2016.
Patterns and drivers of carbohydrate budgets in ice algal assemblages from first year Arctic sea ice
Authors: Aslam Shazia N. , Michel Christine , Niemi Andrea , Underwood Graham J. C.
Published: January 2016

Ongoing changes in sea ice distribution will have major implications for the ecology of the Arctic Ocean. First year ice (FYI) supports abundant ice‐algae communities that produce dissolved and particulate carbohydrates, including extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which are significant carbon sources, influence ice formation and microbial survival within sea ice, and water column carbon cycling following ice melt. Key drivers of the distribution and composition of these carbohydrates are poorly characterised. Carbohydrates and chlorophyll a concentrations were linearly related in springtime bottom FYI at 36 sites in the Canadian Archipelago region, with high levels of spatial heterogeneity. Nanoeukaryote cell density and phosphate concentration were strong drivers of total and dissolved carbohydrate and uronic acid concentrations. Particulate carbohydrates were strongly related to total bacterial abundance. Dissolved carbohydrates contributed 77% of total carbohydrate: the most abundant (51%) size fraction being dissolved carbohydrates < 8 kDa in size, with dissolved EPS contributing 7% to total carbohydrate. Carbohydrate fractions differed in monosaccharide profiles; dissolved components being glucose rich; particulate EPS containing more mannose, xylose, fucose and arabinose. These profiles corresponded to those of cultured sea‐ice diatoms. Microbial abundance, silicate, nitrate and phosphate concentration and ice thickness were important environmental drivers, with thicker ice containing relatively more particulate EPS, with thinner ice containing high amounts of glucose‐rich smaller‐sized carbohydrate moieties. Changes in ice characteristics will alter the relative balance of labile and refractory carbohydrates generated within bottom ice layers, with implications for food webs and carbon turnover in the warming Arctic Ocean.
Effects of amorphous poly(3‐hexylthiophene) on active‐layer structure and solar cells performance
Authors: Liu Chung‐Hao , Tseng Wei‐Hsuan , Cheng Chih‐Yang , Wu Chih‐I , Chou Pi‐Tai , Tung Shih‐Huang
Published: January 2016

A key challenge to the development of polymer‐based organic solar cells is the issue of long‐term stability, which is mainly caused by the unstable time‐dependent morphology of active layers. In this study, poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/[6,6]‐phenyl C60‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend is used as a model system to demonstrate that the long‐term stability of power conversion efficiency can be significantly improved by the addition of a small amount of amorphous regiorandom P3HT into semicrystalline regioregular one. The optical properties measured by UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence reveal that regiorandom P3HT can intimately mix with PCBM and prevent the segregation of PCBM. In addition, X‐ray scattering techniques were adopted to evidence the retardation of phase separation between P3HT and PCBM when regiorandom P3HT is added, which is further confirmed by optical microscopy that shows a reduction of large PCBM crystals after annealing at high temperature in the presence of regiorandom P3HT. The improvement of the long‐term stability is attributed to the capability of amorphous P3HT to be thermodynamically miscible with PCBM, which allows the active layer to form a more stable structure that evolves slower and hence decelerates the device decay. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 975–985
Aging and computational systems biology
Authors: Mooney Kathleen M. , Morgan Amy E. , Mc Auley Mark T.
Published: January 2016

Aging research is undergoing a paradigm shift, which has led to new and innovative methods of exploring this complex phenomenon. The systems biology approach endeavors to understand biological systems in a holistic manner, by taking account of intrinsic interactions, while also attempting to account for the impact of external inputs, such as diet. A key technique employed in systems biology is computational modeling, which involves mathematically describing and simulating the dynamics of biological systems. Although a large number of computational models have been developed in recent years, these models have focused on various discrete components of the aging process, and to date no model has succeeded in completely representing the full scope of aging. Combining existing models or developing new models may help to address this need and in so doing could help achieve an improved understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms which underpin aging. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2016, 8:123–139. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1328

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
A folded-sandwich polarization-entangled two-color photon pair source with large tuning capability for applications in hybrid quantum systems
Authors: Dietz Otto , Müller Chris , Kreißl Thomas , Herzog Ulrike , Kroh Tim , Ahlrichs Andreas , Benson Oliver
Published: January 2016

We demonstrate a two-color entangled photon pair source which can be adapted easily to a wide range of wavelength combinations. A Fresnel rhomb as a geometrical quarter-wave plate and a versatile combination of compensation crystals are key components of the source. Entanglement of two photons at the Cs D1 line (894.3 nm) and at the telecom O-band (1313.1 nm) with a fidelity of

$$F=0.753 \pm 0.021$$

F
=
0.753
±
0.021

is demonstrated, and improvements of the setup are discussed.
Efficient Synthesis of Octacosanol Linoleate Catalyzed by Ionic Liquid and Its Structure Characterization
Authors: He Wen‐Sen , Liu Qiao , Yu Huan , Si Xiao‐Jing , Zhang Jin‐Ku
Published: January 2016

Octacosanol, as the major active policosanol, has attracted much attention due to the potential beneficial effects for human health. However, free octacosanol has a high melting point, poor oil solubility and low bioavailability, which greatly restricts its practical application. In this study, we report a highly efficient method for an ionic liquids (IL)‐catalyzed synthesis of octacosanol ester by direct esterification with linoleic acid. The synthesized product was purified, subsequently characterized by FT‐IR, MS and NMR and finally confirmed to be octacosanol linoleate. The reaction parameters were investigated and the conversion reached 91.3 ± 4.8 % under the optimum conditions: IL 1‐butylsulfonate‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([BSO3HMim][HSO4]) as catalyst, IL dose 1.5 % (related to the mass of both reactants), 1:1 molar ratio of octacosanol to linoleic acid, 80 °C, and 1 h. The melting point and oil solubility of octacosanol were greatly improved by esterification with linoleic acid, facilitating the incorporation into a variety of oil‐based systems.
Minority Faculty Hiring Power in Academe: An Economic Model
Authors: Faria João R. , Loureiro Paulo R. A. , Mixon Franklin G. , Sachsida Adolfo
Published: January 2016

This paper investigates whether minorities in academe exercise bargaining power in a way that influences hiring of other minority faculty. We develop a stylized model that shows how minorities influence the hiring of other minorities, taking into account the hiring of majority faculty. We postulate that such behavior is similar to the behavior of insider workers in the context of the insider-outsider literature.
Clergy Work Orientation Profiles and Wellbeing at Work: A Study of the Lutheran Clergy in Finland
Authors: Tervo-Niemelä Kati
Published: January 2016

This study examines work orientation and its connections to wellbeing at work among the clergy. Using k-means clustering, the article aims to build a typology of clergy members’ work orientation and analyze wellbeing at work among different types of clergy members. The study is based on a survey conducted in 2014 among the clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (N = 562). The results of the study show that the clergy have clear and distinctive work orientation profiles and that these profiles also have a clear linkage to wellbeing at work. Four clergy profiles were identified: clergy with a multifaceted orientation (47 %); clergy oriented towards worship life (29 %); clergy oriented towards promoting justice and helping (19 %); and clergy with a passive orientation (6 %). The study strongly suggests that clergy members with the broadest orientation and interests are most able to deal with the multifaceted demands of church work. A multiple orientation seemed to serve as a strong supporting factor at work, and by being oriented to a broad range of activities, this group also enjoyed more potential sources of support and more joyful experiences at work. Those oriented towards worship life drew their main support from the spiritual aspects of work, but they were most likely to suffer from a lack of social competence. Those oriented toward promoting justice and helping received most support from encountering people. At the same time those who were passively oriented in their work experienced the least satisfaction and the least support.
Symmetric experimental designs: conditions for equivalence of panel data estimators
Authors: Oaxaca Ronald L. , Dickinson David L.
Published: January 2016

This paper
specifies the panel data experimental design condition under which ordinary least squares, fixed effects, and random effects estimators yield identical estimates of treatment effects. This condition is relevant to the large body of laboratory experimental research that generates panel data. Although the point estimates and the true standard errors of the estimated average treatment effects are identical across the three estimators, the estimated standard errors differ. A standard F test as well as asymptotic reasoning guide the choice of which estimated standard errors are the appropriate ones to use for statistical inference.
Diagnostic Performance of Combined Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Angiography and Phase-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Suspected Subclavian Steal Syndrome
Authors: Tsao Teng-Fu , Cheng Kai-Lun , Shen Chao-Yu , Wu Ming-Chi , Huang Hsin-Hui , Su Chun-Hung , Chen Fong-Lin , Tyan Yeu-Sheng , Lin Yung-Chang
Published: January 2016

Purpose

The study sought to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with suspected subclavian steal syndrome (SSS) using both contrast-enhanced (CE) MR angiography and phase-contrast (PC) MRI.

Methods

Fifteen suspected SSSs from 13 patients were evaluated using CE-MR angiography and PC-MRI. Ten patients also received dynamic CE-MR angiography.

Results

All MRI examinations were technically successful. By combining CE-MR angiography with PC-MRI, 10 SSSs were diagnosed in 9 patients. The delay enhancement dynamic technique predicted SSS with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 57.1%, 100%, and 72.7%, respectively. Without the dynamic technique, affected delay-enhanced arteries were poorly visualized and could be mistaken for occluded vessels. Retrograde vertebral flow by PC-MRI was used to predict ipsilateral SSS with a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 100%, 60%, and 86.7%, respectively. There were 2 false positives including 1 patient with a proximal total occlusion of the affected vertebral artery and another with brachiocephalic steal syndrome rather than SSS. This suggested that retrograde vertebral flow does not always indicate SSS.

Conclusions

CE-MR angiography combined with PC-MRI is efficacious when evaluating SSS in clinical practice.
How Competitive is the Canadian Diagnostic Radiology Residency Match? Application and Matching Trends from 1991-2014
Authors: Kenny Stephanie A. , Esmail Kaisra , Hibbert Rebecca M. , McInnes Matthew D.F.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

The study sought to evaluate application trends in Canadian diagnostic radiology residency programs and to assess the relative competitiveness of radiology as a specialty.

Methods

The Canadian Residency Matching Service Reports from 1991–2014 for Canadian graduates were used to extract the total residency positions and radiology residency positions, number of applicants to all specialties and to radiology, number of first-choice radiology applicants, number of unmatched radiology positions, and number of positions and applicants to each specialty. Ratios were calculated: radiology positions to applicants and first-choice applicants, first-choice radiology applicants to applicants for all specialties, and training positions to applicants in each specialty. Data trends and correlation coefficients were analysed.

Results

The number of radiology residency positions offered increased, with strong positive correlation (r = 0.91, P < .001), while the number of applicants increased with only a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.49, P = .03). Radiology was the most competitive in 1997, with a ratio of 0.32 positions/applicant. There was an increase of positions/applicant over time (decreasing competitiveness; r = 0.76, P < .001) but no change in positions/first-choice applicant (r = 0.11, P = .65). The highest percentage of applicants who ranked radiology as their first choice was in 2003 at 6.5% with a decrease in this percentage over time (r = −0.36, P = .13). Radiology is moderately competitive for positions/overall applicants and very competitive for positions/first-choice applicants compared to other specialties.

Conclusions

The number of radiology residency positions has increased while the number of applicants has not grown commensurately. The match was most competitive in 1997, and decreased in subsequent years. Possible reasons include job market, reimbursement, and work environment.
Sun's Magnetic Field Impacts Earth's Thunderstorms
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: January 2016

Lightning strikes are more frequent when Earth encounters a polarity switch in the solar magnetic field.
How Climate Change Impacts Clouds' Ability to Cool Earth
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: January 2016

Understanding the small-scale processes underlying mixed-phase clouds' response to climate change will help scientists strengthen climate models.
High Methane Emissions Detected During Subarctic Lake Melt
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: January 2016

A spike detected in surface methane released from a seasonally ice-covered lake in northern Sweden coincides with the spring thaw and lake overturn.
Electrical Concrete Offers Green Alternative to Airport Deicers
Authors: Kelleher Shannon
Published: January 2016

The Federal Aviation Administration is testing conductive concrete as a replacement for water-polluting chemicals used to melt ice from airport tarmacs.
Monolithically integrated broad-band Mach-Zehnder interferometers for highly sensitive label-free detection of biomolecules through dual polarization optics
Authors: Psarouli A. , Salapatas A. , Botsialas A. , Petrou P. S. , Raptis I. , Makarona E. , Jobst G. , Tukkiniemi K. , Sopanen M. , Stoffer R. , Kakabakos S. E. , Misiakos K.
Published: January 2016

Protein detection and characterization based on Broad-band Mach-Zehnder Interferometry is analytically outlined and demonstrated through a monolithic silicon microphotonic transducer. Arrays of silicon light emitting diodes and monomodal silicon nitride waveguides forming Mach-Zehnder interferometers were integrated on a silicon chip. Broad-band light enters the interferometers and exits sinusoidally modulated with two distinct spectral frequencies characteristic of the two polarizations. Deconvolution in the Fourier transform domain makes possible the separation of the two polarizations and the simultaneous monitoring of the TE and the TM signals. The dual polarization analysis over a broad spectral band makes possible the refractive index calculation of the binding adlayers as well as the distinction of effective medium changes into cover medium or adlayer ones. At the same time, multi-analyte detection at concentrations in the pM range is demonstrated.