bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2017: time for a reality check
Authors: Cozier Muriel
Published: February 2018

A number of events toward the end of 2017 saw industry players and decision makers reiterate their commitment of CCS, but the final quarter also made it clear that governments are still having to make tough calls when it comes to investing money in carbon capture technology. GHGS&T's Muriel Cozier reviews the developments of 2017. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitamin C promotes oligodendrocytes generation and remyelination
Authors: Guo Yu‐e , Suo Na , Cui Xue , Yuan Qianting , Xie Xin
Published: February 2018

Oligodendrocyte‐formed myelin sheaths play important roles in the neuronal functions in the central nervous system. In demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis, the myelin sheaths are damaged and the remyelinating process is somehow hindered. Restoration of the myelin sheaths requires the differentiation of the oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) into mature oligodendrocytes (OLs). To discover small molecule compounds that might promote the OPC to OL differentiation, a high‐throughput screening system is established and L‐ascorbyl‐2‐phosphate (As‐2P), a stable form of Vitamin C (Vc), is found to greatly enhance the OPC to OL differentiation. As‐2P promotes gradual expression of OL lineage markers, including O4, CNPase and MBP, in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. It also facilitates the formation of myelin sheaths in OPC‐neuron co‐culture. As‐2P also promotes the repair of the myelin sheaths in vivo and provides significant therapeutic effect in a cuprizone‐mediated demyelination animal model. Interestingly, As‐2P's function in promoting OPC differentiation is not related to its antioxidant activity. And an intracellular rather than an extracellular mechanism might be involved. Considering the safe use of Vc as a dietary supplement for many years, it might also be used as an alternative medicine for CNS demyelinating diseases.
Does public health system provide adequate financial risk protection to its clients? Out of pocket expenditure on inpatient care at secondary level public health institutions: Causes and determinants in an eastern Indian state
Authors: Rout Sarit Kumar , Choudhury Sarmistha
Published: February 2018

This study is undertaken to estimate the out of pocket expenditure (OOPE) for various diseases and its determinants at secondary level public health facilities in Odisha.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among the inpatients utilising secondary level public health facilities in the 2 districts of Odisha. More than 80% of the inpatients were selected conveniently, and data on OOPE and socioeconomic status of patients were collected. The OOPE was estimated separately on surgery, nonsurgery, and child birth conditions. Ordinary least square regression models were developed to explain the factors determining OOPE.

Results

The mean OOPE for the secondary care facility was Indian National Rupee 3136.14, (95% CI: 2869.08‐3403.19), of which, Indian National Rupee 1622.79 (95% CI: 1462.70‐1782.89) was on medicine constituting 79% of total medical expenditure. The mean OOPE on surgery was highest followed by nonsurgery and child birth conditions. The OOPE is mainly influenced by caste and educational status of patients as revealed by the regression results. With increase in social status, the OOPE increases and the results are statistically significant.

Conclusion

This evidence should be used to design financial strategies to reduce OOPE at secondary care public health facilities, which is largely due to medicine, diagnostic services, and transport expenditure. Efforts should be made to protect the interest of the poor, who utilise public health facility in a low resource setting in India.
THE DECLINE OF THE MONDRAGON COOPERATIVES
Authors: Harding Sandra
Published: February 2018

The Mondragon producers cooperatives in Basque Spain represent the classic case of alternative industrial organisation. While the cooperatives received a great deal of scholarly attention during the 1970s and 1980s, relatively little has been published on recent developments at Mondragon. It is time to update the Mondragon story. In 1991, 100 cooperatives joined to become the Mondragon Cooperative Corporation. This super‐structure has permitted an important degree of centralised control over member cooperatives. Yet, it has also been the source of substantial challenges, both structural and ideological, to this alternative form of industrial organisation. We appear to be witnessing the cooperatives' decline, the end of a great experiment in favour of just another capitalist enterprise. This story is important both for cooperativism in Mondragon itself and for scholars and practitioners worldwide who find in Mondragon proof than an alternative, less exploitative approach to industrial organisation is possible.
MAINTAINING THE HALLMARKS… THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEALS TRIBUNAL COMES OF AGE
Authors: Swain Phillip A.
Published: February 2018

This paper examines the practices of the Social Security Appeals Tribunal (‘SSAT’) as the first tier externa! review mechanism in respect of primary decision‐making by the Department of Social Security. In particular the characteristics of the SSAT which set it apart as essentially inquisitorial and non‐adversarial, and the appropriateness of the use of features more usually associated with the formal court process, will be considered. The paper concludes with a discussion of the legislative objectives of the SSAT and the extent of their achievement to date, and suggest that the features which set the SSAT apart from its more formal judicial counterparts need to be maintained as the SSAT becomes more institutionalized within administrative review processes.
Biocompatibility of composites based on chitosan, apatite, and graphene oxide for tissue applications
Authors: Solìs Moré Yaimara , Panella Gloria , Fioravanti Giulia , Perrozzi Francesco , Passacantando Maurizio , Giansanti Francesco , Ardini Matteo , Ottaviano Luca , Cimini Annamaria , Peniche Carlos , Ippoliti Rodolfo
Published: February 2018

Novel two‐dimensional films and three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds based on chitosan (CHI), apatite (Ap), and graphene oxide (GO) were developed by an in situ synthesis in which self‐assembly process was conducted to direct partial reduction of GO by CHI in acidic medium. Physical–chemical characterization was carried out by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In vitro biological studies using murine fibroblast (MC3T3) and human neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cell lines were also performed. Cell growth and adherence on composites was also checked using SEM. Live and death staining by confocal microscope and 3–(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5–(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium of the samples were investigated. The results confirmed the incorporation of both Ap and GO sheets, into CHI polymeric matrix. Furthermore, it was confirmed a physical integration between inorganic Ap and organic CHI and strong chemical interaction between CHI and GO in the obtained composites. SH‐SY5Y cell line showed preferential adherence on CHI/GO films surface while MC3T3 cell line displayed a good compatibility for all 3D scaffolds. This study confirms the biocompatibility of materials based on CHI, Ap, and GO for future tissues applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1585–1594, 2018.
Validation of daily urinary creatinine excretion measurement by muscle‐creatinine equivalence
Authors: Iacone Roberto , D'Elia Lanfranco , Guida Bruna , Barbato Antonio , Scanzano Clelia , Strazzullo Pasquale
Published: February 2018

Background

Twenty‐four‐hour urinary creatinine excretion (24hUCrE) is strongly correlated with skeletal muscle mass (SMM). This study suggests how to exploit the power of the SMM‐24hUCrE correlation to assess the accuracy of 24hUCrE measurement.

Methods

Four hundred and sixty‐six men, a subgroup of participants in the 2002‐2004 follow‐up examination of the Olivetti Heart Study, performed a 24‐h urine collection to measure 24hUCrE and underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis to evaluate SMM. Linear regression analysis between 24hUCrE and SMM was used to calculate the muscle‐creatinine equivalence and to develop an equation to predict the 24hUCrE depending on SMM. The accuracy of the 24hUCrE measurement was assessed using the change in the SMM‐24hUCrE correlation coefficient upon variation in the percentage deviation (%D) between the measured and predicted 24hUCrE.

Results

The calculated muscle‐creatinine equivalence was 1 g of 24hUCrE = 22.73 kg of SMM. The %Ds and the corresponding SMM‐24hUCrE correlation coefficients were as follows: %D = 3.0, r = .997; %D = 4.7, r = .989; %D = 8.1, r = .963; %D = 10.5, r = .940; %D = 12.6, r = .909; %D = 18.9, r = .825; %D = 25.8, r = .707; %D = 33.5, r = .595; %D = 41.4, r = .453.

Conclusion

The increase in %D corresponds to a reduced correlation between muscle mass and creatinine excretion, which indicated a poor performance in the measurement of the 24hUCrE. For studies on single individuals, where small variations in 24hUCrE could be significant, a %D up to 12.6% is suggested; on the other hand, a wider %D interval could be acceptable for population studies.
A mechanistic analysis of the influence of iron‐oxidizing bacteria on antimony (V) removal from water by microscale zero‐valent iron
Authors: Li Yongchao , Wu Jixin , Hu Wei , Ren Bozhi , Hursthouse Andrew S
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Microscale zero‐valent iron (mZVI) is an efficient material for removing heavy metals from water, and iron‐oxidizing bacteria are the primary microorganisms responsible for iron corrosion. We investigated the effects of Sphaerotilus natans on antimony [Sb(V)] removal by mZVI using batch experiments.

RESULTS

At an initial Fe0 dose of 0.1 g L–1, 40 mg L–1 Sb(V) was almost completely removed in an abiotic system. Although S. natans exhibited significant tolerance to Sb(V), its ability to adsorb Sb(V) was poor. Most importantly, the presence of S. natans reduced the removal rate of aqueous Sb(V) by mZVI by up to 39%. The value of the redox potential in the biologically mediated system was lower than that in the abiotic control, indicating oxygen consumption by S. natans. In the presence of S. natans, the main reaction products were FeOOH and FeSb2O6, compared to Fe2O3 in the abiotic system. Biomineralization of Fe3+ ions by S. natans may have occurred during the experiment, but it did not play a significant role in Sb(V) removal.

CONCLUSION

mZVI can be efficiently used to remove Sb(V) from water. However, the presence of S. natans may inhibit its removal ability, likely due to the decreased mass transfer and lower corrosion of iron. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of a satellite DNA in the genera Lacerta and Timon (Reptilia, Lacertidae) and its role in the differentiation of the W chromosome
Authors: Giovannotti Massimo , Nisi Cerioni Paola , Rojo Verónica , Olmo Ettore , Slimani Tahar , Splendiani Andrea , Caputo Barucchi Vincenzo
Published: February 2018

In this study, IMO‐TaqI satDNA, previously isolated in several species of Lacertidae, was isolated and characterized from four species of the genus Lacerta and three of the genus Timon. The aim was to gain further insights into the evolutionary dynamics of this satDNA, its occurrence among lacertids and to understand if it plays any role in sex chromosome evolution in these seven species. The results here obtained highlighted the presence of this repetitive element in the genome of all the species investigated, thus indicating that IMO‐TaqI satDNA is evolutionary conserved among a wide variety of lacertids. In addition, this element was found to be very abundant in the constitutive heterochromatin of the W‐sex chromosome of the four Lacerta species investigated. The occurrence of IMO‐TaqI satDNA on Lacerta heterochromosome suggests that it is involved in the differentiation of the W chromosome by heterochromatinization, and the fact that it is absent in the W of other lacertids investigated seems to confirm that repetitive DNA sequences would remain randomly trapped into the sex chromosomes, undergoing amplification as a consequence of the suppression of recombination.
Persistence of plasmid‐mediated expression of transgenes in human mesenchymal stem cells depends primarily on CpG levels of both vector and transgene
Authors: Bruter Alexandra V. , Kandarakov Oleg F. , Belyavsky Alexander V.
Published: February 2018

Background

Gene therapy and cell modification for clinical applications using plasmid vectors are considered to be a safe and promising strategy. One of the major problems with plasmid vector‐based constructs is a rapid decline of transgene expression in cells in vitro and in vivo. An important role of CpG motifs or bacterial vector backbone in expression silencing has been suggested.

Methods

To address the effects of CpG motifs on transgene expression maintenance in stem cells in vitro, we constructed a novel pMBR2 plasmid vector containing 13 CpG motifs only. pMBR2 constructs with CpG‐free and CpG‐replete firefly luciferase inserts were introduced into cultured human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem (MSCs) by electroporation, and luciferase expression levels were monitored for 3 weeks.

Results

The pMBR2 vector with CpG‐free luciferase insert demonstrated the highest persistence of expression, whereas the wild‐type luciferase insert containing 97 CpG motifs demonstrated lower expression maintenance in the same vector. In comparison, the same inserts in the CpG‐replete pCDNA3 vector demonstrated significantly lower expression levels and only a minimal persistence of expression. β‐galactosidase and enhanced green fluorescent protein genes inserted into pMBR2 vector also demonstrated higher expression levels and better maintenance compared to the same genes in pCDNA3 vector.

Conclusions

The persistence of plasmid vector expression in human MSCs is determined primarily by CpG content of both vector and transgene. The data obtained in the present study indicate that the pMBR2 vector with a minimized number of CpG motifs is appropriate for extended plasmid‐mediated expression of transgenes in MSCs and possibly other types of stem cells.
Low penetrance genetic polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer predisposition
Authors: Tan Shing Cheng
Published: February 2018

Colorectal cancer is a leading form of cancer in both males and females. Early detection of individuals at risk of colorectal cancer allows proper treatment and management of the disease to be implemented, which can potentially reduce the burden of colorectal cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the role of genetic susceptibility factors in mediating predisposition to colorectal cancer has become more and more apparent. Identification of high‐frequency, low‐penetrance genetic polymorphisms associated with the cancer has therefore emerged as an important approach which can potentially aid prediction of colorectal cancer risk. However, the overwhelming amount of genetic epidemiology data generated over the past decades has made it difficult for one to assimilate the information and determine the exact genetic polymorphisms that can potentially be used as biomarkers for colorectal cancer. This review comprehensively consolidates, based primarily on results from meta‐analyses, the recent progresses in the search of colorectal cancer‐associated genetic polymorphisms, and discusses the possible mechanisms involved.
Human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children less than 5 years of age in Pakistan
Authors: Yousafzai Mohammad T. , Ibrahim Romesa , Thobani Rozina , Aziz Fatima , Ali Asad
Published: February 2018

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the second leading cause of death in children less than 5 years of age worldwide. Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is associated with around 5‐7% of the total pneumonia admissions in children. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of hMPV associated hospitalizations among children, in Karachi, Pakistan. A 3 years prospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), from August 2009 to June 2012. Children less than 5 years of age, admitted with ARIs, were enrolled. Throat swabs were collected and tested for hMPV using real‐time PCR. Multivariable log binomial regression analysis was performed. Out of 1150 children enrolled, hMPV was detected among 84/1150 (7%). About 87% of the enrolled children presented with cough, followed by fever (73%), nasal congestion (69%) and shortness of breath (68%). Of the hMPV positive subjects, most (56/84, 67%) were less than 12 months of age. The most common diagnosis in hMPV positive infants was pneumonia, followed by asthma and bronchiolitis. HMPV was identified year round, with peaks during February and August. Sore throat was found to be significantly associated with the hMPV infection (Adjusted RR 2.23; 95%CI 1.42‐3.52). The proportion of hMPV was higher among hospitalized infants with ARI. Pneumonia was the primary discharge diagnoses of patients who tested positive for hMPV. hMPV could be a target for future vaccine to further decrease the burden of ARI morbidity and possibly mortality in developing countries.
A point‐of‐care diagnostic system to influenza viruses using chip‐based ultra‐fast PCR
Authors: Kwon Soon‐Hwan , Lee Sujin , Jang Jeyoun , Seo Yujin , Lim Hee‐Young
Published: February 2018

In order to diagnose the infectious disease from clinical samples, the various protocols such as culturing microorganism, rapid diagnostic test using chromatographic method, ELISA, conventional PCR are developed. Since a novel strain of avian influenza can be cross‐infected human as well as birds and livestock due to genetic reassortment, some strains of influenza such as H7N9 and H5N1 have emerged as a severe virus which can be threaten the health of poultry as well as human. Therefore, we explored the development of simultaneously and rapid diagnostic tool for seasonal influenza (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B) and highly pathogenic avian influenza (A/H5N1, A/H7N9). We analyzed the unique nucleotide sequences of influenza types including three seasonal influenza, A/H7N9, and A/H5N1, and distinguished each type of influenza and diagnosed through One Step RT‐PCR. In the results, Chip‐based PCR technique can be diagnosed rapidly and directly from naked eye with EvaGreen the influenza also respiratory specimens within 23 min 15 s, including reverse transcription. The Chip‐based PCR is a point‐of‐care system, and it is expected to reduce diagnosis time and to develop a diagnostic kit. Furthermore the Chip based PCR technique can be used for high risk pathogen in bioterror and/or biological warfare in the field.
Nurturing a garden of IT talent at MindTree Limited
Authors: Kang Lakhwinder Singh , Kaur Navneet
Published: February 2018

The acquisition and development of talent are crucial to enhancing organizational capabilities and competitiveness. At MindTree, a fast‐growing multinational information technology company based in India, senior managers have leveraged the organization's culture to promote workforce diversity in its recruitment and promotion initiatives. Taking an integrated approach to talent management, the company has also taken several training, performance appraisal, compensation, and development initiatives to secure an efficient pipeline of high‐potential leaders. In the process, they have reduced the rate of employee turnover while reinforcing the core values that are fundamental to the company's success.
Altering spacer material affects bone regeneration in the Masquelet technique in a rat femoral defect
Authors: McBride‐Gagyi Sarah , Toth Zacharie , Kim Daniel , Ip Victoria , Evans Emily , Watson John Tracy , Nicolaou Daemeon
Published: February 2018

The Masquelet technique depends on pre‐development of a foreign‐body membrane to support bone regeneration with grafts over three times larger than the traditional maximum. To date, the procedure has always used spacers made of bone cement, which is the polymer polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), to induce the foreign‐body membrane. This study sought to compare (i) morphology, factor expression, and cellularity in membranes formed by PMMA, titanium, and polyvinyl alcohol sponge (PVA) spacers in the Masquelet milieu and (ii) subsequent bone regeneration in the same groups. Ten‐week‐old, male Sprague–Dawley rats were given an externally stabilized, 6 mm femur defect, and a pre‐made spacer of PMMA, titanium, or PVA was implanted. All animals were given 4 weeks to form a membrane, and those receiving an isograft were given 10 weeks post‐implantation to union. All samples were scanned with microCT to measure phase 1 and phase 2 bone formation. Membrane samples were processed for histology to measure membrane morphology, cellularity, and expression of the factors BMP2, TGFβ, VEGF, and IL6. PMMA and titanium spacers created almost identical membranes and phase 1 bone. PVA spacers were uniformly infiltrated with tissue and cells and did not form a distinct membrane. There were no quantitative differences in phase 2 bone formation. However, PMMA induced membranes supported functional union in 6 of 7 samples while a majority of titanium and PVA groups failed to achieve the same. Spacer material can alter the membrane enough to disrupt phase 2 bone formation. The membrane's role in bone regeneration is likely more than just as a physical barrier. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2228–2238, 2018.
Salmonella and Campylobacter biofilm formation: a comparative assessment from farm to fork
Authors: Lamas Alexandre , Regal Patricia , Vázquez Beatriz , Miranda José M , Cepeda Alberto , Franco Carlos M
Published: February 2018

It takes several steps to bring food from the farm to the fork (dining table), and contamination with food‐borne pathogens can occur at any point in the process. Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. are the main microorganisms responsible for foodborne disease in the EU. These two pathogens are able to persist throughout the food supply chain thanks to their ability to form biofilms. Owing to the high prevalence of Salmonella and especially of Campylobacter in the food supply chain and the huge efforts of food authorities to reduce these levels, it is of great importance to fully understand their mechanisms of persistence. Diverse studies have evaluated the biofilm‐forming capacity of foodborne pathogens isolated at different steps of food production. Nonetheless, the principal obstacle of these studies is to reproduce the real conditions that microorganisms encounter in the food supply chain. While there are a wide number of Salmonella biofilm studies, information on Campylobacter biofilms is still limited. A comparison between the two microorganisms could help to develop new research in the field of Campylobacter biofilms. Therefore, this review evaluates relevant work in the field of Salmonella and Campylobacter biofilms and the applicability of the data obtained from these studies to real working conditions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Multivariate approaches for stability control of the olive oil reference materials for sensory analysis – part I: framework and fundamentals
Authors: Valverde‐Som Lucia , Ruiz‐Samblás Cristina , Rodríguez‐García Francisco P , Cuadros‐Rodríguez Luis
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Virgin olive oil is the only food product for which sensory analysis is regulated to classify it in different quality categories. To harmonize the results of the sensorial method, the use of standards or reference materials is crucial. The stability of sensory reference materials is required to enable their suitable control, aiming to confirm that their specific target values are maintained on an ongoing basis. Currently, such stability is monitored by means of sensory analysis and the sensory panels are in the paradoxical situation of controlling the standards that are devoted to controlling the panels.

RESULTS

In the present study, several approaches based on similarity analysis are exploited. For each approach, the specific methodology to build a proper multivariate control chart to monitor the stability of the sensory properties is explained and discussed.

CONCLUSION

The normalized Euclidean and Mahalanobis distances, the so‐called nearness and hardiness indices respectively, have been defined as new similarity indices to range the values from 0 to 1. Also, the squared mean from Hotelling's T2‐statistic and Q2‐statistic has been proposed as another similarity index. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Indigenous participation in conservation and tourism development: A case of native people of Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Latip Normah Abdul , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa , Jaafar Mastura , Marzuki Azizan , Umar Mohd Umzarulazijo
Published: February 2018

This study investigates the participation of indigenous communities in conservation and tourism development projects, specifically focusing on the native people of Sabah, Malaysia. Using the motivation, opportunity, and ability model, we conceptualize a framework for understanding the factors that influence the participation choices of this community. The results suggest that knowledge and awareness (ability) and the perceived environmental and economic impacts of tourism (motivation) have positive effects on the participation of indigenous people. Moreover, the results of this study do not support an effect for opportunity or the perceived social impacts of tourism on participation.
Does Intravenous Infusion Influence Diagnostic Ultrasound‐Induced Pulmonary Capillary Hemorrhage?
Authors: Miller Douglas L. , Dong Zhihong , Dou Chunyan , Raghavendran Krishnan
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Pulmonary diagnostic ultrasound (US) can induce pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH) in mammals. This singular biological effect of diagnostic US imaging was discovered more than 25 years ago but remains poorly understood. Our objective here was to investigate rapid infusion of intravenous fluids as a possible stressor for capillaries, which might enhance pulmonary diagnostic US‐induced PCH.

Methods

Rats were anesthetized with Telazol (Zoetis, Inc, Kalamazoo, MI), which yielded relatively low pulmonary diagnostic US‐induced PCH, or Telazol and xylazine, which yielded relatively high pulmonary diagnostic US‐induced PCH. Groups of rats were not infused or infused either with normal saline, 10% mannitol, or 5% albumin. Rats were scanned in a warmed water bath with B‐mode US for 5 minutes with a 7.6‐MHz linear array set to different mechanical index values to obtain exposure response information. Pulmonary capillary hemorrhage was observed as comet tail artifacts in the image and measured on the lung surface.

Results

For Telazol anesthesia, all of the PCH results were very low, with no significant differences at the maximum output with an in situ peak rarefactional pressure amplitude of 2.1 MPa (on‐screen mechanical index, 0.9). The addition of xylazine to the Telazol anesthetic significantly enhanced the PCH (P < .001) without infusion and likewise for the mannitol and albumin infusion. Saline infusion eliminated this enhancement, with significantly reduced PCH for Telazol‐plus‐xylazine anesthesia (P < .001); however, both mannitol and albumin infusion resulted in significantly more PCH than saline infusion (P < .01).

Conclusions

These results show PCH dependence on the specific intravenous infusion fluid and illustrate the complex importance of physiologic parameters for US‐induced PCH.
Biting flies and activity of caribou in the boreal forest
Authors: Raponi Marco , Beresford David V. , Schaefer James A. , Thompson Ian D. , Wiebe Philip A. , Rodgers Arthur R. , Fryxell John M.
Published: February 2018

Habitat loss has been implicated in the decline of forest‐dwelling caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), but it is unknown how biting insects, potentially important components of boreal forest habitat for caribou, influence the activity of this threatened species. During summers in 2011 and 2012 in northern Ontario, Canada, we quantified the relative abundance of black flies, mosquitoes, and tabanids in boreal forest stands of different ages and related their abundance to caribou activity. We counted insects in young (25–35 yrs since forest harvesting), intermediate (36–69 yrs), and old (≥70 yrs) stands using sweep nets and counts on human subjects. We related the daily variation in abundance of these insect families, along with daily maximum temperature, to the activity of female caribou, determined by accelerometers in global positioning system collars. We found higher insect abundance in young versus old stands. During the first 5 minutes in a forest stand, the rate of accumulation of mosquitoes and black flies on human subjects increased, but at a decelerating rate, whereas tabanid abundance declined over time. On days when tabanids were more numerous, female caribou were less active, possibly a response to reduce exposure and harassment. To a lesser extent, mosquitoes and black flies also tended to elicit lower activity of caribou. Our study reveals that biting flies can alter the behavior of female caribou in the boreal forest. Loss of old stands may accentuate the potential for insect harassment. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Scaling Laws for Polymer Chains Grafted onto Nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Guang , Kim Kyoungmin , Wang Wentao , Chen Banghao , Mattoussi Hedi , Hallinan Daniel T.
Published: February 2018

An experimental approach is presented for identifying the scaling laws for polymer chains grafted onto gold nanoparticles. Poly(ethylene oxide) of various molecular weights are grafted onto gold nanoparticles via thiol end‐functional groups. The polymer‐grafted nanoparticles are self‐assembled into monolayers from solvents of different quality. Over a significant range of graft densities, nanoparticle monolayers deposited from good (athermal) solvent exhibit particle spacing that scales according to theoretical predictions for chains in dilute solution. This unexpected result for ordered nanoparticle monolayers is discussed in the context of the deposition process. In monolayers deposited from theta solvent, molecular weight scaling of particle spacing breaks down, possibly due to chain length dependence of solvent quality. In poor solvent, the structure of nanoparticle assemblies is not sufficiently ordered to obtain reliable measurements, possibly due to loss of nanoparticle dispersion. This approach opens up the possibility for accurate measurement of the effect of solvent on grafted chain scaling in nanoparticle assemblies.
Hardy spaces for Bessel–Schrödinger operators
Authors: Kania Edyta , Preisner Marcin
Published: February 2018

Consider the Bessel operator with a potential on , namely
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600286:mana201600286-math-0002We assume that and is a nonnegative function. By definition, a function belongs to the Hardy space if
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201600286:mana201600286-math-0007Under certain assumptions on V we characterize the space in terms of atomic decompositions of local type. In the second part we prove that this characterization can be applied to for with no additional assumptions on the potential V.
I love the product but will you? The role of interpersonal attachment styles in social projection
Authors: David Meredith E.
Published: February 2018

Individuals often have a need to predict the preferences of others (e.g., offering a recommendation, gift giving). In doing so, it is not uncommon that individuals project their attitudes and preferences onto others. Extant consumer research literature related to social projection focuses largely on particular situational variables that influence social projection. The current research adds to a smaller body of consumer research which focuses on specific characteristics of consumers’ selves that may drive an individual's tendency to project his/her attitudes onto others. Specifically, the present paper explores an individual‐level moderator of social projection, namely, interpersonal attachment style. Across five studies, interpersonal attachment style, and attachment anxiety, specifically, is shown to influence social projection. In addition, the mechanism underlying this relationship is demonstrated. The results show that high (vs. low) anxious attachment individuals tend to naturally consider more counter‐valence attributes of a product, that is., liked attributes of a disliked product and disliked attributes of a liked product, and this availability of counter‐valence attributes lowers social projection. Important theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Mass spectrometric epitope mapping
Authors: Opuni Kwabena F.M. , Al‐Majdoub Mahmoud , Yefremova Yelena , El‐Kased Reham F. , Koy Cornelia , Glocker Michael O.
Published: February 2018

Mass spectrometric epitope mapping has become a versatile method to precisely determine a soluble antigen's partial structure that directly interacts with an antibody in solution. Typical lengths of investigated antigens have increased up to several 100 amino acids while experimentally determined epitope peptides have decreased in length to on average 10–15 amino acids. Since the early 1990s more and more sophisticated methods have been developed and have forwarded a bouquet of suitable approaches for epitope mapping with immobilized, temporarily immobilized, and free‐floating antibodies. While up to now monoclonal antibodies have been mostly used in epitope mapping experiments, the applicability of polyclonal antibodies has been proven. The antibody's resistance towards enzymatic proteolysis has been of key importance for the two mostly applied methods: epitope excision and epitope extraction. Sample consumption has dropped to low pmol amounts on both, the antigen and the antibody. While adequate in‐solution sample handling has been most important for successful epitope mapping, mass spectrometric analysis has been found the most suitable read‐out method from early on. The rapidity by which mass spectrometric epitope mapping nowadays is executed outperforms all alternative methods. Thus, it can be asserted that mass spectrometric epitope mapping has reached a state of maturity, which allows it to be used in any mass spectrometry laboratory. After 25 years of constant and steady improvements, its application to clinical samples, for example, for patient characterization and stratification, is anticipated in the near future. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:229–241, 2018.
Targeted metabolomics reveals proline as a major osmolyte in the chemolithoautotroph Sulfurimonas denitrificans
Authors: Götz Florian , Longnecker Krista , Kido Soule Melissa C. , Becker Kevin W. , McNichol Jesse , Kujawinski Elizabeth B. , Sievert Stefan M.
Published: February 2018

Chemoautotrophic bacteria belonging to the genus Sulfurimonas in the class Campylobacteria are widespread in many marine environments characterized by redox interfaces, yet little is known about their physiological adaptations to different environmental conditions. Here, we used liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) in a targeted metabolomics approach to study the adaptations of Sulfurimonas denitrificans to varying salt concentrations that are found in its natural habitat of tidal mudflats. Proline was identified as one of the most abundant internal metabolites and its concentration showed a strong positive correlation with ionic strength, suggesting that it acts as an important osmolyte in S. denitrificans. 2,3‐dihydroxypropane‐1‐sulfonate was also positively correlated with ionic strength, indicating it might play a previously unrecognized role in osmoregulation. Furthermore, the detection of metabolites from the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle at high internal concentrations reinforces the importance of this pathway for carbon fixation in Campylobacteria and as a hub for biosynthesis. As the first report of metabolomic data for an campylobacterial chemolithoautotroph, this study provides data that will be useful to understand the adaptations of Campylobacteria to their natural habitat at redox interfaces.
Dynamic B0 shimming of the human brain at 9.4 T with a 16‐channel multi‐coil shim setup
Authors: Aghaeifar Ali , Mirkes Christian , Bause Jonas , Steffen Theodor , Avdievitch Nikolai , Henning Anke , Scheffler Klaus
Published: February 2018

Purpose

A 16‐channel multi‐coil shimming setup was developed to mitigate severe B0 field perturbations at ultrahigh field and improve data quality for human brain imaging and spectroscopy.

Methods

The shimming setup consisted of 16 circular B0 coils that were positioned symmetrically on a cylinder with a diameter of 370 mm. The latter was large enough to house a shielded 18/32‐channel RF transceiver array. The shim performance was assessed via simulations and phantom as well as in vivo measurements at 9.4 T. The global and dynamic shimming performance of the multi‐coil setup was compared with the built‐in scanner shim system for EPI and single voxel spectroscopy.

Results

The presence of the multi‐coil shim did not influence the performance of the RF coil. The performance of the proposed setup was similar to a full third‐order spherical harmonic shim system in the case of global static and dynamic slice‐wise shimming. Dynamic slice‐wise shimming with the multi‐coil setup outperformed global static shimming with the scanner's second‐order spherical‐harmonic shim. The multi‐coil setup allowed mitigating geometric distortions for EPI. The combination of the multi‐coil shim setup with the zeroth and first‐order shim of the scanner further reduced the standard deviation of the B0 field in the brain by 12% compared with the case in which multi‐coil was used exclusively.

Conclusion

The combination of a multi‐coil setup and the linear shim channels of the scanner provides a straightforward solution for implementing dynamic slice‐wise shimming without requiring an additional pre‐emphasis setup.
Spin‐lock imaging of early tissue pH changes in ischemic rat brain
Authors: Zu Zhongliang , Afzal Aqeela , Li Hua , Xie Jingping , Gore John C.
Published: February 2018

We have previously reported that the dispersion of spin‐lattice relaxation rates in the rotating frame (R1ρ) of tissue water protons at high field can be dominated by chemical exchange contributions. Ischemia in brain causes changes in tissue pH, which in turn may affect proton exchange rates. Amide proton transfer (APT, a form of chemical exchange saturation transfer) has been shown to be sensitive to chemical exchange rates and able to detect pH changes non‐invasively following ischemic stroke. However, the specificity of APT to pH changes is decreased because of the influence of several other factors that affect magnetization transfer. R1ρ is less influenced by such confounding factors and thus may be more specific for detecting variations in pH. Here, we applied a spin‐locking sequence to detect ischemic stroke in animal models. Although R1ρ images acquired with a single spin‐locking amplitude (ω1) have previously been used to assess stroke, here we use ΔR1ρ, which is the difference in R1ρ values acquired with two different locking fields to emphasize selectively the contribution of chemical exchange effects. Numerical simulations with different exchange rates and measurements of tissue homogenates with different pH were performed to evaluate the specificity of ΔR1ρ to detect tissue acidosis. Spin‐lock and APT data were acquired on five rat brains after ischemic strokes induced via middle cerebral artery occlusions. Correlations between these data were analyzed at different time points after the onset of stroke. The results show that ΔR1ρ (but not R1ρ acquired with a single ω1) was significantly correlated with APT metrics consistent with ΔR1ρ varying with pH.
Non‐Contact Measurement Brings Decisive Optimization
Authors: Gold Steffan , Krey Stefan
Published: February 2018

The intervals at which production efficiency in optics need to be streamlined are getting shorter and shorter, due to the fast pace at which optical device technology is moving forward. Companies need to know their breaking point. Organizational stress testing becomes essential for economic survival in the global business arena. A small but important aspect of production improvement can be achieved by opting for non‐contact measurement of lens center thicknesses, especially when dealing with microlenses.
Growing up in Australia: paradox of overweight/obesity in children of immigrants from low‐and‐middle ‐income countries
Authors: Zulfiqar T. , Strazdins L. , Banwell C. , Dinh H. , D'Este C.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Children of immigrants from low‐and‐middle‐income countries show excess overweight/obesity risk relative to host populations, possibly due to socioeconomic disadvantage. The present study was conducted to estimate overweight/obesity prevalence and its association with the family socioeconomic‐position in 2–11‐year‐old Australian‐born children of immigrants and Australian‐mothers.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis of 10‐year data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children was undertaken. Overweight/obesity was defined according to the International Obesity Taskforce, age‐and sex‐specific BMI cut‐off‐points.

Results

Approximately 24% children aged 2–3 years (22% sons, and 25% daughters), were overweight/obese with no significant difference between children of immigrants and Australian‐mothers. Overweight/obesity prevalence consistently increased with age for sons of mothers from low‐and‐middle‐income countries but not daughters. Adjusting for the family socioeconomic‐position did not explain excess overweight/obesity in children of mothers from low‐and‐middle‐income countries. The odds of overweight/obesity in sons were significantly higher at 8–9 years (OR 1.5; p = 0.03) and 10–11 years (OR 1.5; p = 0.03) and in daughters at 4–5 years (OR 1.7; p = 0.002) when the mothers were from low‐and‐middle‐income countries.

Conclusion

Excess weight in children of immigrants is not due to socioeconomic disadvantage alone. Other social processes and interactions between immigrants and host cultures may be involved.
Influence of organizational culture on knowledge transfer:Evidence from theGovernment ofDubai
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Habibur , Moonesar Immanuel Azaad , Hossain Md Munir , Islam Md Zahidul
Published: February 2018

In the current context of globalization and technological spread, the role of knowledge as an organizational resource is phenomenal. Knowledge management can be seen as an add‐on to reform paradigms such as new public management, good governance, and smart government, which has generated significant interest for public sector reformists in recent years. The amount of literature on knowledge management in public the sector of the United Arab Emirates is relatively scanty. In the Government of Dubai (1 of 7 Emirates in the UAE), the journey towards knowledge management has started 2 decades or so ago and now has begun to take structural roots in many organizations. This study examines the relationship between organizational culture elements (i.e., trust, communication between employees, reward, leadership, and learning and development), organizational socialization, and knowledge transfer in the government organizations in Dubai. Based on a theoretical framework to measure the influence, this study conducted a questionnaire survey in the Government of Dubai entities. From 811 respondents representing these organizations, the survey results unfold positive relationship between knowledge transfer and the 4 selected organizational cultural elements (i.e., trust, communication between employees, reward, and leadership). Socialization is found to play a moderating role in all the hypothesized relationships except between reward and knowledge transfer. It also examines further research implications to support knowledge transfer processes and practices in the public sector of Dubai and the UAE.
Novel hydrogels based on a high‐molar‐mass water‐soluble dimethacrylate monomer
Authors: Asmussen Silvana V , Gomez Maria L , Vallo Claudia I
Published: February 2018

This report describes the preparation and swelling behaviour of novel hydrogels based on a water‐soluble dimethacrylate monomer (EBisEMA), which is characterized by a relatively high molar mass (Mn ∼ 1700 g mol−1) and contains a high proportion of aliphatic ether bonds in its structure. This feature results in moderately crosslinked and flexible polymer networks. Significant differences were observed in degree of swelling, depending on the synthesis method employed to obtain the hydrogels. The equilibrium water sorption of EBisEMA photopolymerized in bulk was 68 wt% while that of EBisEMA photopolymerized in aqueous solution (0.5 g mL−1) was 104 wt%. Thiol–methacrylate hydrogels were prepared by visible light photopolymerization of EBisEMA with a tetrafunctional thiol (PETMP) at various EBisEMA‐to‐PETMP molar ratios. These hydrogels contained unreacted thiol groups because of a faster homopolymerization reaction of EBisEMA. Hydrogels were also prepared in bulk by propylamine‐catalysed Michael addition reaction. No significant differences in swelling were observed between EBisEMA homopolymer and photocured EBisEMA–PETMP copolymer. Conversely, a marked increase in water uptake (110 wt%) was observed in the EBisEMA–PETMP hydrogels prepared by the Michael addition reaction catalysed by propylamine. These trends are explained in terms of a balance between the mass fraction of hydrophilic groups and the crosslinking density of the network. EBisEMA–PETMP hydrogels formulated with thiol in excess showed a noticeable tendency to adhere to diverse substrates, including paper, metals, glass and skin. This feature makes them especially attractive in applications for which adhesion is particularly critical such as dermatological patches. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of poly(butylene succinate)‐poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] copolymers and their applications as carriers for drug delivery
Authors: Zhao Yuping , Guo Weihong , Lu Qian , Zhang Shiping
Published: February 2018

Copolymers of poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]–poly(butylene succinate)–poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA–PBS–PDMAEMA, PDBD) were synthesized through a chain‐extension reaction. The thermal properties characterized using differential scanning calorimetry showed that the introduction of PDMAEMA chains slightly decreased the melting temperature of PBS. The water contact angle of PDBD copolymer films with media of various pH decreased with a decrease of pH. This should be ascribed to the conformational transition of PDMAEMA blocks from a compact coil to an expanding shape in accordance with the variation of the pH of the surroundings. The results of dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy revealed that PDBD copolymers could form spherical micelles with small particle size and narrow particle size distribution. Furthermore, drug loading (loading content, ca 10%; encapsulation efficiency, ca 60%) and release experiments were conducted using doxorubicin as a hydrophobic model drug. The results of release experiments of copolymer nanomicelles showed that these micelles had pH‐responsive properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry