bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photofunctionalization of anodized titanium surfaces using UVA or UVC light and its effects against Streptococcus sanguinis
Authors: Jain Sakshi , Williamson Randall S. , Marquart Mary , Janorkar Amol V. , Griggs Jason A. , Roach Michael D.
Published: November 2017

UV light preirradiation of anodized titanium oxide layers has recently been shown to produce a photocatalytic effect that may reduce early bacterial attachment on titanium surfaces. Streptococcus species have been identified as primary early colonizers and contribute to early biofilm formation on dental implant surfaces. Anodized layers with primarily amorphous, primarily anatase, primarily rutile, and mixtures of anatase and rutile phase oxides were preirradiated with UVA or UVC light for 10 min. Nanoscale surface roughness and pre‐ and post‐UV‐irradiated wettability were measured for each anodization group. Sample groups were subjected to streptococcus sanguinis for a period of 24 h. Bacterial attachment and killing efficacy were measured and compared to the corresponding non‐UV control groups. UVA treatments showed trends of at least a 20% reduction in bacterial attachment regardless of the crystallinity, or combination of oxide phases present. Anodized layers consisting of primarily anatase phase on the outermost surface were shown to have a killing efficacy of at least 50% after preirradiation with UVA light. Anodized layers containing disperse mixtures of anatase and rutile phases at the outermost surface showed at least a 50% killing efficacy after pre‐irradiation with either UVA or UVC light. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2284–2294, 2018.
Acylated ghrelin treatment normalizes skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity and AKT phosphorylation in rat chronic heart failure
Authors: Barazzoni Rocco , Gortan Cappellari Gianluca , Palus Sandra , Vinci Pierandrea , Ruozi Giulia , Zanetti Michela , Semolic Annamaria , Ebner Nicole , von Haehling Stephan , Sinagra Gianfranco , Giacca Mauro , Springer Jochen
Published: November 2017

Background

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with skeletal muscle abnormalities contributing to exercise intolerance, muscle loss, and negative impact on patient prognosis. A primary role has been proposed for mitochondrial dysfunction, which may be induced by systemic and tissue inflammation and further contribute to low insulin signalling. The acylated form of the gastric hormone ghrelin (AG) may improve mitochondrial oxidative capacity and insulin signalling in both healthy and diseased rodent models.

Methods

We investigated the impact of AG continuous subcutaneous administration (AG) by osmotic minipump (50 nmol/kg/day for 28 days) compared with placebo (P) on skeletal muscle mitochondrial enzyme activities, mitochondrial biogenesis regulators transcriptional expression and insulin signalling in a rodent post‐myocardial infarction CHF model.

Results

No statistically significant differences (NS) were observed among the three group in cumulative food intake. Compared with sham‐operated, P had low mitochondrial enzyme activities, mitochondrial biogenesis regulators transcripts, and insulin signalling activation at AKT level (P < 0.05), associated with activating nuclear translocation of pro‐inflammatory transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB. AG completely normalized all alterations (P < 0.05 vs P, P = NS vs sham‐operated). Direct AG activities were strongly supported by in vitro C2C12 myotubes experiments showing AG‐dependent stimulation of mitochondrial enzyme activities. No changes in mitochondrial parameters and insulin signalling were observed in the liver in any group.

Conclusions

Sustained peripheral AG treatment with preserved food intake normalizes a CHF‐induced tissue‐specific cluster of skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction, pro‐inflammatory changes, and reduced insulin signalling. AG is therefore a potential treatment for CHF‐associated muscle catabolic alterations, with potential positive impact on patient outcome.
Impact of boreal summer intra‐seasonal oscillations on warm season diurnal convection activity in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wan‐Ru , Chang Ya‐Hui
Published: November 2017

Diurnal convection (DC), which is characterized by rainy days with maximum rainfall during the afternoon without strong synoptic disturbances, is the most frequently observed weather system that affects local rainfall in Taiwan. In this study, we investigate the impact of boreal summer intra‐seasonal oscillations (BSISOs) on the modulation of warm season (May–September) DC activities in Taiwan. Our analyses focus on (1) identifying the relationships between changes in DC characteristics (e.g. DC days and the mean rainfall intensities on DC days) and the phase evolutions of two types of BSISOs (including the 30–60‐day ISO named BSISO1 and the 10–30‐day ISO named BSISO2) and (2) the related maintenance mechanisms. Analyses of DC days demonstrate that the contribution of DC days to the total quantity of rainy days in Taiwan generally reaches a maximum value when Taiwan is being modulated by intensified southwesterly winds, intensified local sea breeze circulations, and intensified local thermal instabilities (i.e. phase 3 of BSISO1 and phase 7 of BSISO2). Analyses of the mean rainfall intensities on DC days show that maximum values are generally reached when the moisture convergence line propagates northwards over Taiwan (i.e. phase 1 of BSISO1 and phase 3 of BSISO2). Further examinations indicate that the abovementioned findings are not dependent upon the strengths of the BSISOs.
Ultrafine fibers of zein and anthocyanins as natural pH indicator
Authors: Prietto Luciana , Pinto Vania Zanella , El Halal Shanise Lisie Mello , de Morais Michele Greque , Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira , Lim Loong‐Tak , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

pH‐sensitive indicator membranes, which are useful for pharmaceutical, food, and packaging applications, can be formed by encapsulating halochromic compounds within various solid supports. Accordingly, electrospinning is a versatile technique for the development of these indicators, by entrapping pH dyes within ultrafine polymer fibers.

RESULTS

The ultrafine zein fibers, containing 5% (w/v) anthocyanins, had an average diameter of 510 nm. The pH‐sensitive membrane exhibited color changes from pink to green when exposed to acidic and alkaline buffers, respectively. The contact angle was negligible after 10 and 2 s for neat and 5% anthocyanin‐loaded zein membranes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The pH membranes exhibited color changes in a board pH range, which can potentially be used in various active packaging applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Metabonomics study of the effects of traditional Chinese medicine formula Ermiaowan on hyperuricemic rats
Authors: Wei Zhongbao , Xu Chen , Liu Shu , Song Fengrui , Liu Zhiqiang , Qu Xiaobo
Published: November 2017

To explore the global mechanism of Ermiaowan on hyperuricemia regulation, the holistic function of Ermiaowan for hyperuricemia in rats was firstly assessed by the urinary metabonomics method which was based on ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The urinary targeted metabonomics approach combined with the serum biochemical analysis and histological assay was conducted to verify the research result. As a result, the significant differences in metabolic profiles were observed from Ermiaowan‐treated group, model group, and healthy control group by using multivariate statistical approaches. Twenty therapeutic related metabolites were identified in response to the therapeutic effects of Ermiaowan, which were mainly associated with purine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and tyrosine metabolism. In addition, the urinary targeted metabonomics study showed that Ermiaowan can better restore the disturbed pathways than Phellodendri cortex and Atractylodis rhizome. The biochemical assay and histopathological assay confirmed that Ermiaowan could significantly reduce uric acid and fibrosis areas of kidney. These results provided new insights into the mechanism of Ermiaowan on hyperuricemia.
Carnivore abundance near motorways related to prey and roadkills
Authors: Planillo Aimara , Mata Cristina , Manica Andrea , Malo Juan E.
Published: November 2017

Landscape disturbance by roads may increase abundance of prey in verges (i.e., strips of terrain adjacent to roadways) or create other features that can attract carnivores and expose them to a higher risk of mortality by vehicle collision. We studied a system that included European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and their predators in central Spain near 3 motorways during 2011 and 2012. We analyzed carnivore and rabbit abundance and the potential effect of prey populations on carnivore roadkill. We estimated rabbit and carnivore abundance index by surveying scats in 1‐km transects in the landscape, and calculated a roadkill index in motorway stretches parallel to the transects from roadkill data obtained in a roadkill monitoring survey from 2007 to 2011. We analyzed carnivore response for the entire carnivore community and for 2 groups of species: the red fox, which is the most synanthropic carnivore in our study area, and the other carnivores. Fox abundance was higher near motorways compared to control sites, whereas the abundance of other species was related only to rabbit abundance. Furthermore, motorway stretches with higher carnivore abundance presented higher values of carnivore roadkills. Thus, motorways are a source of mortality for carnivores that should be managed carefully. The potential cascading effect of food resources near roads on carnivore mortality should be considered in management and food abundance near roads should be minimized in areas inhabited by carnivores of conservation concern. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
On the homology groups of the Brauer complex for a triquadratic field extension
Authors: Sivatski Alexander S.
Published: November 2017

The homology groups , , and of the Brauer complex for a triquadratic field extension are studied. In particular, given , we find equivalent conditions for the image of D in to be zero. We consider as well the second divided power operation , and show that there are nonstandard elements with respect to γ2. Further, a natural transformation , which turns out to be nondegenerate on the left, is defined. As an application we construct a field extension such that the cohomology group of the Brauer complex contains the images of prescribed elements of , provided these elements satisfy a certain cohomological condition. At the final part of the paper examples of triquadratic extensions with nontrivial are given. As a consequence we show that the homology group can be arbitrarily big.
Well‐posedness of fractional degenerate differential equations with finite delay on vector‐valued functional spaces
Authors: Bu Shangquan , Cai Gang
Published: November 2017

We study the well‐posedness of the fractional degenerate differential equations with finite delay on Lebesgue–Bochner spaces , periodic Besov spaces and periodic Triebel–Lizorkin spaces , where A and M are closed linear operators on a Banach space X satisfying , F is a bounded linear operator from (resp. and ) into X, where is given by when and . Using known operator‐valued Fourier multiplier theorems, we give necessary or sufficient conditions for the well‐posedness of in the above three function spaces.
Stabilization of delayed Cohen‐Grossberg BAM neural networks
Authors: Chinnathambi Rajivganthi , Rihan Fathalla A. , Shanmugam Lakshmanan
Published: November 2017

This paper deals with finite‐time stabilization results of delayed Cohen‐Grossberg BAM neural networks under suitable control schemes. We propose a state‐feedback controller together with an adaptive‐feedback controller to stabilize the system of delayed Cohen‐Grossberg BAM neural networks. Stabilization conditions are derived by using Lyapunov function and some algebraic conditions. We also estimate the upper bound of settling time functional for the stabilization, which depends on the controller schemes and system parameters. Two illustrative examples and numerical simulations are given to validate the success of the derived theoretical results.
The assessment of nonverbal behavior in schizophrenia through the Formal Psychological Assessment
Authors: Granziol Umberto , Spoto Andrea , Vidotto Giulio
Published: November 2017

The nonverbal behavior (NVB) of people diagnosed with schizophrenia consistently interacts with their symptoms during the assessment. Previous studies frequently observed such an interaction when a prevalence of negative symptoms occurred. Nonetheless, a list of NVBs linked to negative symptoms needs to be defined. Furthermore, a list of items that can exhaustively assess such NVBs is still needed. The present study aims to introduce both lists by using the Formal Psychological Assessment. A deep analysis was performed on both the scientific literature and the DSM‐5 for constructing the set of nonverbal behaviors; similarly, an initial list of 138 items investigating the behaviors was obtained from instruments used to assess schizophrenia. The Formal Psychological Assessment was then applied to reduce the preliminary list. A final list of 23 items necessary and sufficient to investigate the NVBs emerged. The list also allowed us to analyze specific relations among items. The present study shows how it is possible to deepen a patient's negative symptomatology, starting with the relations between items and the NVBs they investigate. Finally, this study examines the advantages and clinical implications of defining an assessment tool based on the found list of items.
Effective behavior signature extraction method using sequence pattern algorithm for traffic identification
Authors: Shim Kyu‐Seok , Yoon Sung‐Ho , Sija Baraka D. , Park Jun‐Sang , Cho Kyunghee , Kim Myung‐Sup
Published: November 2017

With the rapid development of the internet and a vigorous emergence of new applications, traffic identification has become a key issue. Although various methods have been proposed, there are still several limitations to achieving fine‐grained and application‐level identification. Therefore, we previously proposed a behavior signature model for extracting a unique traffic pattern of an application. Although this signature model achieves a good identification performance, it has trouble with the signature extraction, particularly from a huge amount of input traffic, because a Candidate‐Selection method is used for extracting the signature. To improve this inefficiency in the extraction process, in this paper, we propose a novel behavior signature extraction method using a sequence pattern algorithm. The proposed method can extract a signature regardless of the volume of input traffic because it excludes certain unsatisfactory candidates using a predefined support value during the early stage of the process. We proved experimentally the feasibility of the proposed extraction method for 7 popular applications.
Weight‐adjusted discontinuous Galerkin methods: Matrix‐valued weights and elastic wave propagation in heterogeneous media
Authors: Chan Jesse
Published: November 2017

Weight‐adjusted inner products are easily invertible approximations to weighted L2 inner products. These approximations can be paired with a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) discretization to produce a time‐domain method for wave propagation which is low storage, energy stable, and high‐order accurate for arbitrary heterogeneous media and curvilinear meshes. In this work, we extend weight‐adjusted DG methods to the case of matrix‐valued weights, with the linear elastic wave equation as an application. We present a DG formulation of the symmetric form of the linear elastic wave equation, with upwind‐like dissipation incorporated through simple penalty fluxes. A semidiscrete convergence analysis is given, and numerical results confirm the stability and high‐order accuracy of weight‐adjusted DG for several problems in elastic wave propagation.
Phosphorylated chitosan‐cobalt complex: A novel green flame retardant for polylactic acid
Authors: Shi Xingxing , Jiang Saihua , Hu Yuan , Peng Xiangfang , Yang Hongyu , Qian Xiaodong
Published: November 2017

The exploration of green flame retardants is of great significance for fire safety, ecological environment protection, and resource saving. Herein, a novel phosphorus containing chitosan‐cobalt complex (CS‐P‐Co) was successfully synthesized for the first time and then introduced into polylactic acid matrix. Owning to the formation of cobalt salts, the CS‐P‐Co exhibits good thermal stability and catalytic char effect. The as‐fabricated biodegradable polylactic acid/CS‐P‐Co composites with small amounts of CS‐P‐Co (≤ 4.0 wt%) show remarkably improved flame retardancy, such as decreased peak heat release rate and total heat release by 23.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman results demonstrate that compact graphitized char layers are formed on the composite surface during combustion, attributed to the catalytic effect of CS‐P‐Co. The char inhibits diffusion of heat, mass, and oxygen, which plays a key role in the flame retardancy enhancement.
Polyurethane‐mesoporous silica gas separation membranes
Authors: Ghalei Behnam , Pournaghshband Isfahani Ali , Sadeghi Morteza , Vakili Eshagh , Jalili Alireza
Published: November 2017

The concept of mixed matrix membrane comprising dispersed inorganic fillers into a polymer media has revealed appealing to tune the gas separation performance. In this work, the membranes were prepared by incorporation of mesoporous silica into polyurethane (PU). Mesoporous silica particles with different pore size and structures, MCM‐41, cubic MCM‐48 and SBA‐16, were synthesized by templating method and functionalized with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). High porosity and aminated surface of the mesoporous silica enhance the adhesion of the particles to the PU matrix. The SEM and FTIR results showed strong interactions between the particles and the PU chains. Moreover, the thermal stability of the hybrid PUs improved compared to the pure polymer. Gas transport properties of the membranes were measured for pure CO2, CH4, O2, and N2 gases at 10 bar and 25°C. The results showed that the gas permeabilities enhanced with increasing in the loading of modified mesoporous silica particles. High porosity and amine‐functionalized particles render opportunities to enhance the gas diffusivity and solubility through the membranes. The enhanced gas transport properties of the mixed matrix membranes reveal the advantages of mesoporous silica to improve the gas permeability (CO2 permeability up to ~70) without scarifying the gas selectivity (α(CO2/N2)~ 30 for 5 wt% SBA‐16 content).
Impact of Penicillin Allergy on Empirical Carbapenem Use in Gram‐Negative Bloodstream Infections: An Antimicrobial Stewardship Opportunity
Authors: Al‐Hasan Majdi N. , Acker Emily C. , Kohn Joseph E. , Bookstaver Paul Brandon , Justo Julie Ann
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Retrospective matched‐cohort study evaluating association between penicillin allergy and empirical carbapenem use in gram‐negative bloodstream infections (BSIs) and utility of antimicrobial stewardship interventions in reducing carbapenem utilization.

Methods

Hospitalized adults with community‐onset gram‐negative BSI from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2015, at two large community hospitals in Columbia, SC, were identified. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions targeting penicillin allergy and carbapenem utilization were fully implemented January 1, 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine impact of penicillin allergy and antimicrobial stewardship interventions on empirical carbapenem use. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to evaluate time to carbapenem deescalation in patients with penicillin allergy before and after interventions.

Results

Patients with penicillin allergy (n=140) were more likely to receive empirical carbapenem therapy for community‐onset gram‐negative BSI compared to those without penicillin allergy (n=140) (27% vs 12%, p=0.002). After adjustments in the multivariate model, penicillin allergy (odds ratio [OR] 3.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98–8.45) and prior β‐lactam use (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.07–6.64) were independently associated with empirical carbapenem use, whereas antimicrobial stewardship interventions were associated with decline in carbapenem utilization (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.16–0.94). Among patients with penicillin allergy who were prescribed empirical carbapenems, median time to carbapenem deescalation was significantly shorter in the postintervention versus preintervention period (2.0 vs 4.2 days, p=0.004).

Conclusion

Penicillin allergy was a significant contributor to carbapenem use in community‐onset gram‐negative BSI. This was subject to modification by antimicrobial stewardship interventions, which successfully reduced overall carbapenem use and duration of carbapenem therapy in patients with penicillin allergy.
Solar photovoltaics demand for the global energy transition in the power sector
Authors: Breyer Christian , Bogdanov Dmitrii , Aghahosseini Arman , Gulagi Ashish , Child Michael , Oyewo Ayobami Solomon , Farfan Javier , Sadovskaia Kristina , Vainikka Pasi
Published: November 2017

The power sector is faced with strict requirements in reducing harmful emissions and substantially increasing the level of sustainability. Renewable energy (RE) in general and solar photovoltaic (PV) in particular can offer societally beneficial solutions. The LUT energy system transition model is used to simulate a cost‐optimised transition pathway towards 100% RE in the power sector by 2050. The model is based on hourly resolution for an entire year, the world structured in 145 regions, high spatial resolution of the input RE resource data, and transition steps of 5‐year periods. The global average solar PV electricity generation contribution is found to be about 69% in 2050, the highest ever reported. Detailed energy transition results are presented for representative countries in the world, namely, Poland, Britain and Ireland, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. The global average energy system levelised cost of electricity gradually declines from 70 €/MWh in 2015 to 52 €/MWh in 2050 throughout the transition period, while deep decarbonisation of more than 95% around 2040, referenced to 2015, would be possible. The targets of the Paris Agreement can be well achieved in the power sector, while increasing societal welfare, given strong policy leadership.
Belief in narcissistic insecurity: Perceptions of lay raters and their personality and psychopathology relations
Authors: Stanton Kasey , Watson David , Clark Lee Anna
Published: November 2017

This study advances research on interpersonal perceptions of narcissism by examining the degree to which overt displays of narcissism (e.g. being boastful and arrogant) are viewed by lay raters as resulting from covert insecurity. We wrote a brief set of items to assess this view and collected responses from a large sample of community adults (n = 5 528). We present results both for participants reporting (n = 617; patient subsample) and not reporting (n = 4 911; non‐patient subsample) current psychiatric treatment. Results revealed that (1) overt grandiose narcissistic traits generally are viewed as being linked to covert insecurity and vulnerability and (2) items intended to assess this link define a meaningful construct, referred to here as Belief in Narcissistic Insecurity. Patient subsample participants also completed measures of personality and psychopathology. Belief in Narcissistic Insecurity showed modest positive relations with self‐rated narcissism and with favourable views of one's personality (i.e. seeing oneself as extraverted and conscientious). These findings contribute to research aimed at explicating how perceptions of narcissism are related to self‐views and interpersonal functioning. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cryotherapy to treat and prevent airway stenosis in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Spencer Chantal Y. , Harkin Timothy J. , Vicencio Alfin G.
Published: November 2017

We report our use of cryotherapy delivered via flexible bronchoscopy in a 15‐year old girl with granulomatosis with polyangiitis to both treat established airway stenosis and prevent multi‐level progression of disease.
Synthetic Studies of 2,6‐Diamino‐3,5‐Dinitropyrazine‐ 1‐Oxide (LLM‐105) from Discovery to Multi‐Kilogram Scale
Authors: Pagoria Philip , Zhang Mao‐Xi , Zuckerman Nathaniel , Lee Gregory , Mitchell Alexander , DeHope Alan , Gash Alexander , Coon Clifford , Gallagher Patrick
Published: November 2017

A description of the various approaches to the synthesis of the insensitive energetic compound, 2,6‐diamino‐3,5‐dinitropyrazine‐1‐oxide (LLM‐105), developed at LLNL over the past 20 years will be described.
Some statistical considerations in the clinical development of cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Huang Bo
Published: November 2017

Immuno‐oncology has emerged as an exciting new approach to cancer treatment. Common immunotherapy approaches include cancer vaccine, effector cell therapy, and T‐cell–stimulating antibody. Checkpoint inhibitors such as cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 and programmed death‐1/L1 antagonists have shown promising results in multiple indications in solid tumors and hematology. However, the mechanisms of action of these novel drugs pose unique statistical challenges in the accurate evaluation of clinical safety and efficacy, including late‐onset toxicity, dose optimization, evaluation of combination agents, pseudoprogression, and delayed and lasting clinical activity. Traditional statistical methods may not be the most accurate or efficient. It is highly desirable to develop the most suitable statistical methodologies and tools to efficiently investigate cancer immunotherapies. In this paper, we summarize these issues and discuss alternative methods to meet the challenges in the clinical development of these novel agents. For safety evaluation and dose‐finding trials, we recommend the use of a time‐to‐event model‐based design to handle late toxicities, a simple 3‐step procedure for dose optimization, and flexible rule‐based or model‐based designs for combination agents. For efficacy evaluation, we discuss alternative endpoints/designs/tests including the time‐specific probability endpoint, the restricted mean survival time, the generalized pairwise comparison method, the immune‐related response criteria, and the weighted log‐rank or weighted Kaplan‐Meier test. The benefits and limitations of these methods are discussed, and some recommendations are provided for applied researchers to implement these methods in clinical practice.
Whey protein active films incorporated with a blend of essential oils: Characterization and effectiveness
Authors: Ribeiro‐Santos Regiane , de Melo Nathália Ramos , Andrade Mariana , Azevedo Gabriela , Machado Ana Vera , Carvalho‐Costa Denise , Sanches‐Silva Ana
Published: November 2017

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) films incorporated with a blend ofCinnamomum cassia,Cinnamomum zeylanicum,andRosmarinus officinalisessential oils were characterized and evaluated for their effectiveness as an antioxidant for food applications. The effect of the incorporation of essential oils (EOs) at different concentrations (1, 2, 2.7, and 5%w/w) in WPC were studied by measuring their physical, optical, mechanical, and microstructural properties, in order to evaluate their behavior as a food packaging. The effectiveness of these active WPC films as a packaged was evaluated using a fatty food model (salami). The state of the salami oxidation was measured by the TBARs and hexanal assays during 180 days of storage. A yellowish characteristic color and opacity of WPC‐based films tend to increase with the increase of the EO concentration in the film formulation. While films containing 1 and 2% of EOs showed to be the most hydrophobic and present the lowest moisture content and solubility in water, films with higher EOs % (2, 2.7, and 5%, w/w) presented the highest water vapor transmission rate. The developed WPC active films showed to be heterogeneous, presenting cracks and pores due to the weakening of the polymer chain interaction forces by the EOs, which affected their mechanical behavior. WPC films incorporated with EOs may retard lipid oxidation induced by UV light in food. Besides, they showed to be very effective in the reduction of lipid oxidation in a previous assay with salami, with a longer storage time.
Resilient computing on ROS using adaptive fault tolerance
Authors: Lauer Michael , Amy Matthieu , Fabre Jean‐Charles , Roy Matthieu , Excoffon William , Stoicescu Miruna
Published: November 2017

Computer‐based systems are now expected to evolve during their service life to cope with changes of various nature, ranging from evolution of user needs, eg, additional features requested by users, to system configuration changes, eg, modifications in available hardware resources. When considering resilient embedded systems that must comply with stringent dependability requirements, the challenge is even greater, as evolution must not impair dependability attributes. Maintaining dependability properties when facing changes is, indeed, the exact definition of resilient computing.

In this paper, we consider the evolution of systems with respect to their dependability mechanisms and show how such mechanisms can evolve with the system evolution, in the case of ROS, the robot operating system. We provide a synthesis of the concepts required for resilient computing using a component‐based approach. We particularly emphasize the process and the techniques needed to implement an adaptation layer for fault tolerance mechanisms. In the light of this analysis, we address the implementation of adaptive fault tolerance on ROS in 2 steps: Firstly, we provide an architecture to implement fault tolerance mechanisms in ROS, and secondly, we describe the actual adaptation of fault tolerance mechanisms in ROS. Beyond the implementation details given in the paper, we draw the lessons learned from this work and discuss the limits of this run‐time support to implement adaptive fault tolerance features in embedded systems.
Onboarding software developers and teams in three globally distributed legacy projects: A multi‐case study
Authors: Britto Ricardo , Cruzes Daniela S. , Smite Darja , Sablis Aivars
Published: November 2017

Onboarding is the process of supporting new employees regarding their social and performance adjustment to their new job. Software companies have faced challenges with recruitment and onboarding of new team members, and there is no study that investigates it in a holistic way. In this paper, we conducted a multi‐case study to investigate the onboarding of software developers/teams, associated challenges, and areas for further improvement in 3 globally distributed legacy projects. We employed Bauer's model for onboarding to identify the current state of the onboarding strategies employed in each case. We learned that the employed strategies are semi‐formalized. Besides, in projects with multiple sites, some functions are executed locally, and the onboarding outcomes may be hard to control. We also learned that onboarding in legacy projects is especially challenging and that decisions to distribute such projects across multiple locations shall be approached carefully. In our cases, the challenges to learn legacy code were further amplified by the project scale and the distance to the original sources of knowledge. Finally, we identified practices that can be used by companies to increase the chances of being successful when onboarding software developers and teams in globally distributed legacy projects.
Gut microbiota composition may relate to weight loss rate in obese pet dogs
Authors: Kieler Ida N. , Shamzir Kamal Shamrulazhar , Vitger Anne D. , Nielsen Dennis S. , Lauridsen Charlotte , Bjornvad Charlotte R.
Published: November 2017

Obese dogs seem to have a different gut microbiome (GM) composition compared to lean dogs, and in humans, GM composition may negatively impact the ability to lose weight in some individuals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between exercise, weight‐loss and the composition of GM in dogs. Eighteen obese pet dogs were recruited for a 12‐week weight‐loss intervention. All dogs were fed restrictively with a commercial high‐protein/high‐fibre dry diet, and eight of these dogs were enrolled in an exercise program in addition to the diet intervention. Faecal samples were collected and the dogs were weighed at week 0, week 6 and week 12. GM composition was determined using MiSeq‐based tag‐encoded 16S rRNA gene high‐throughput amplicon sequencing, and concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by gas‐liquid chromatography. Total weight loss, food allowance and GM were not changed by exercise inclusion. However, Megamonas abundance negatively correlated with weight loss rate and Ruminococcaceae relative abundance was lower at 12 weeks in dogs with a faster weight loss rate (≥1% per week) compared with slower weight loss rate (<1% per week) independent of exercise. Acetic and propionic acid concentrations decreased in the dogs with a faster weight loss rate. Members of Megamonas and Ruminococcaceae produce acetic and propionic acids and we therefore interpret that having a GM that favour SCFA production may negatively affect weight loss rate in dogs. Weight loss rate in dogs may be related to the composition of the GM and its production of metabolites.
Limbal stem cells: identity, developmental origin, and therapeutic potential
Authors: Gonzalez Gabriel , Sasamoto Yuzuru , Ksander Bruce R. , Frank Markus H. , Frank Natasha Y.
Published: November 2017

The cornea is our window to the world and our vision is critically dependent on corneal clarity and integrity. Its epithelium represents one of the most rapidly regenerating mammalian tissues, undergoing full‐turnover over the course of approximately 1–2 weeks. This robust and efficient regenerative capacity is dependent on the function of stem cells residing in the limbus, a structure marking the border between the cornea and the conjunctiva. Limbal stem cells (LSC) represent a quiescent cell population with proliferative capacity residing in the basal epithelial layer of the limbus within a cellular niche. In addition to LSC, this niche consists of various cell populations such as limbal stromal fibroblasts, melanocytes and immune cells as well as a basement membrane, all of which are essential for LSC maintenance and LSC‐driven regeneration. The LSC niche's components are of diverse developmental origin, a fact that had, until recently, prevented precise identification of molecularly defined LSC. The recent success in prospective LSC isolation based on ABCB5 expression and the capacity of this LSC population for long‐term corneal restoration following transplantation in preclinical in vivo models of LSC deficiency underline the considerable potential of pure LSC formulations for clinical therapy. Additional studies, including genetic lineage tracing of the developmental origin of LSC will further improve our understanding of this critical cell population and its niche, with important implications for regenerative medicine. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e303. doi: 10.1002/wdev.303

This article is categorized under:

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Disease

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Tissue Stem Cells and Niches

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration
The Life Course, Cohort Dynamics, and International Differences in Aging Trajectories
Authors: Haas Steven A. , Oi Katsuya , Zhou Zhangjun
Published: November 2017

In recent years, population health research has focused on understanding the determinants of later-life health. Two strands of that work have focused on (1) international comparisons of later-life health and (2) assessing the early-life origins of disease and disability and the importance of life course processes. However, the less frequently examined intersection of these approaches remains an important frontier. The present study contributes to the integration of these approaches. We use the Health and Retirement Study family of data sets and a cohort dynamic approach to compare functional health trajectories across 12 high-income countries and to examine the role of life course processes and cohort dynamics in contributing to variation in those trajectories. We find substantial international variation in functional health trajectories and an important role of cohort dynamics in generating that variation, with younger cohorts often less healthy at comparable ages than the older cohorts they are replacing. We further find evidence of heterogeneous effects of life course processes on health trajectories. The results have important implications for future trends in morbidity and mortality as well as public policy.
Interior Immigration Enforcement and Political Participation of U.S. Citizens in Mixed-Status Households
Authors: Amuedo-Dorantes Catalina , Lopez Mary J.
Published: November 2017

The 2000s have witnessed an expansion of interior immigration enforcement in the United States. At the same time, the country has experienced a major demographic transformation, with the number of U.S. citizens living in mixed-status households—that is, households where at least one family member is an unauthorized migrant—reaching 16 million. U.S. citizens living in mixed-status households are personally connected to the struggles experienced by their unauthorized family members. For them, immigration policy is likely to shape their current and future voting behavior. Using data from the 2002–2014 Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplements, we examine whether intensified immigration enforcement has affected the political engagement of U.S. citizens living in mixed-status households. We find that immigration enforcement has chilled their electoral participation by lowering their propensity to register by 5 %; however, it has not visibly affected their voting propensity among those registered. Importantly, their lower voting registration likelihood does not seem to reflect indifference for community and public matters, given that it has been accompanied by greater involvement in civic forms of political participation, such as volunteering. Understanding how immigration policy affects the political participation of a fast-growing segment of the electorate is imperative because they will inevitably constitute a rapidly rising political force in future elections.
A Call for Conceptual Models of Technology in I-O Psychology: An Example From Technology-Based Talent Assessment
Authors: Morelli Neil , Potosky Denise , Arthur Winfred , Tippins Nancy
Published: November 2017

The rate of technological change is quickly outpacing today's methods for understanding how new advancements are applied within industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology. To further complicate matters, specific attempts to explain observed differences or measurement equivalence across devices are often atheoretical or fail to explain why a technology should (or should not) affect the measured construct. As a typical example, understanding how technology influences construct measurement in personnel testing and assessment is critical for explaining or predicting other practical issues such as accessibility, security, and scoring. Therefore, theory development is needed to guide research hypotheses, manage expectations, and address these issues at this intersection of technology and I-O psychology. This article is an extension of a Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) 2016 panel session, which (re)introduces conceptual frameworks that can help explain how and why measurement equivalence or nonequivalence is observed in the context of selection and assessment. We outline three potential conceptual frameworks as candidates for further research, evaluation, and application, and argue for a similar conceptual approach for explaining how technology may influence other psychological phenomena.
Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of a thermal interface in a two-fluid plasma
Authors: Bond D. , Wheatley V. , Samtaney R. , Pullin D. I.
Published: November 2017

We computationally investigate the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability of a density interface with a single-mode perturbation in a two-fluid, ion–electron plasma with no initial magnetic field. Self-generated magnetic fields arise subsequently. We study the case where the density jump across the initial interface is due to a thermal discontinuity, and select plasma parameters for which two-fluid plasma effects are expected to be significant in order to elucidate how they alter the instability. The instability is driven via a Riemann problem generated precursor electron shock that impacts the density interface ahead of the ion shock. The resultant charge separation and motion generates electromagnetic fields that cause the electron shock to degenerate and periodically accelerate the electron and ion interfaces, driving Rayleigh–Taylor instability. This generates small-scale structures and substantially increases interfacial growth over the hydrodynamic case.
Anna Dolinina 1923–2017
Authors: Tolmacheva Marina
Published: November 2017

Anna Arkadievna Iskoz-Dolinina, a Russian and Soviet Arabist with a list of over 200 publications, passed away on 16 April 2017. She was born on 12 March 1923 in Petrograd (later Leningrad, now St. Petersburg, Russia). Her father was a Leningrad University professor, a specialist on Dostoyevsky. Anna's original plan was to study German literature, but during WWII the family were evacuated with parts of the University to Tashkent. There, she became fascinated by the Orient and developed an interest in Arabic literature. The choice of Arabic vs. other languages was made easier by the publication in 1945 of the book Among Arabic Manuscripts (“Nad arabskimi rukopisiami”) by the leading Russian Arabist of the time Ignatii Iulianovich Krachkovskii (Ignaty Krachkovsky, 1883–1951).
Browsing and plant traits in nutrient-rich and nutrient-poor savannas in Tanzania
Authors: Mramba Rosemary P. , Andreassen Harry P. , Skarpe Christina
Published: November 2017

Environmental productivity is important in determining defensive or tolerance traits of plants, with nutrient-rich savannas showing tolerance and nutrient-poor showing defence traits. Animals are affected differently by such traits due to differences in size, and other characters. We studied differences in browsing as a response to plant traits by elephant, giraffe and impala in Mikumi, a nutrient-poor savanna, and Serengeti, a nutrient-rich savanna, both in Tanzania, for a total of 4 mo; 2 mo at each site. Browsing time on a plant, species and height browsed were recorded. Spinesence reduced biting rate by elephant in Serengeti to 3.8 bites min−1, compared with 4.7 without spines, but had no effect on impala or giraffe. Leaf size affected biting rate by giraffe, decreasing with size in Serengeti from 19.8 bites min−1to 17.4 bites min−1, increasing in Mikumi, from 17.7 to 19.5 bites min−1, but did not differ in elephant and impala. Biting rate by elephant in Serengeti decreased with browsing height from 0.6 m to 4.2 m and by impala in Mikumi decreased from 0.25 m to 1.5 m, while that of giraffe in Mikumi increased with browsing height, peaking at 4.2 m. The effect was comparable for elephant and impala.
New Online Tool Teaches Students About the Energy-Water Nexus
Authors: Habib Emad , Eldardiry Hisham , Tidwell Vincent
Published: November 2017

Students use real data sets to explore how population changes, power generation, and water-saving strategies affect surface and groundwater use.
Webb Receives 2017 Ocean Sciences Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2017

Douglas Webb will receive the 2017 Ocean Sciences Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award is given in recognition of “outstanding leadership or service to the ocean sciences.”
Fischer Receives 2017 Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology Dansgaard Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: November 2017

Hubertus Fischer will receive the 2017 Dansgaard Award at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, to be held 11–15 December in New Orleans, La. The award is given in recognition of the awardee’s research impact, innovative interdisciplinary work, educational accomplishments (mentoring), societal impact, and other relevant contributions and to acknowledge that the awardee shows exceptional promise for continued leadership in paleoceanography or paleoclimatology.
Super-resolution visible photoactivated atomic force microscopy
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Kwon Owoong , Jeon Mansik , Song Jaejung , Shin Seungjun , Kim HyeMi , Jo Minguk , Rim Taiuk , Doh Junsang , Kim Sungjee , Son Junwoo , Kim Yunseok , Kim Chulhong
Published: November 2017

Imaging the intrinsic optical absorption properties of nanomaterials with optical microscopy (OM) is hindered by the optical diffraction limit and intrinsically poor sensitivity. Thus, expensive and destructive electron microscopy (EM) has been commonly used to examine the morphologies of nanostructures. Further, while nanoscale fluorescence OM has become crucial for investigating the morphologies and functions of intracellular specimens, this modality is not suitable for imaging optical absorption and requires the use of possibly undesirable exogenous fluorescent molecules for biological samples. Here we demonstrate super-resolution visible photoactivated atomic force microscopy (pAFM), which can sense intrinsic optical absorption with ~8 nm resolution. Thus, the resolution can be improved down to ~8 nm. This system can detect not only the first harmonic response, but also the higher harmonic response using the nonlinear effect. The thermoelastic effects induced by pulsed laser irradiation allow us to obtain visible pAFM images of single gold nanospheres, various nanowires, and biological cells, all with nanoscale resolution. Unlike expensive EM, the visible pAFM system can be simply implemented by adding an optical excitation sub-system to a commercial atomic force microscope.