bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’involution de Zelevinski modulo ℓ
Authors: Mínguez Alberto , Sécherre Vincent
Published: October 2015

Let

F

\mathrm {F}

be a non-Archimedean locally compact field with residual characteristic

p
p

, let

G

\mathrm {G}

be an inner form of

G
L

n

(

F

)

\mathrm {GL}_n(\mathrm {F})

,

n
⩾
1

n\geqslant 1

and let

R

\mathrm {R}

be an algebraically closed field of characteristic different from

p
p

. When

R

\mathrm {R}

has characteristic

ℓ
>
0

\ell >0

, the image of an irreducible smooth

R

\mathrm {R}

-representation

π
\pi

of

G

\mathrm {G}

by the Aubert involution need not be irreducible. We prove that this image (in the Grothendieck group of

G

\mathrm {G}

) contains a unique irreducible term

π
⋆

\pi ^\star

with the same cuspidal support as

π
\pi

. This defines an involution

π
↦

π
⋆

\pi \mapsto \pi ^\star

on the set of isomorphism classes of irreducible

R

\mathrm {R}

-representations of

G

\mathrm {G}

, that coincides with the Zelevinski involution when

R

\mathrm {R}

is the field of complex numbers. The method we use also works for

F

\mathrm {F}

a finite field of characteristic

p
p

, in which case we get a similar result.
Get that next job—how to break out of the postdoc trap
Authors: Klaue Yvonne
Published: October 2015

In the past, the majority of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers were focused on careers in academia. Times have changed, and many are now considering careers outside of academia and are aware of numerous exciting career opportunities in industry and nonprofit and government organizations. However, although it is easy to find resources about academic careers, the same cannot be said for positions outside the ivory tower. Here, on the basis of my experience as a scientist and as someone who works with graduate students and postdocs to help them enter nonacademic career paths, I provide a perspective on career development and how to find a job.
A case for more curiosity-driven basic research
Authors: Amon Angelika
Published: October 2015

Having been selected to be among the exquisitely talented scientists who won the Sandra K. Masur Senior Leadership Award is a tremendous honor. I would like to take this opportunity to make the case for a conviction of mine that I think many will consider outdated. I am convinced that we need more curiosity-driven basic research aimed at understanding the principles governing life. The reasons are simple: 1) we need to learn more about the world around us; and 2) a robust and diverse basic research enterprise will bring ideas and approaches essential for developing new medicines and improving the lives of humankind.
Surviving as an underrepresented minority scientist in a majority environment
Authors: Jarvis Erich D.
Published: October 2015

I believe the evidence will show that the science we conduct and discoveries we make are influenced by our cultural experience, whether they be positive, negative, or neutral. I grew up as a person of color in the United States of America, faced with challenges that many had as members of an underrepresented minority group. I write here about some of the lessons I have learned that have allowed me to survive as an underrepresented minority ­scientist in a majority environment.
The endocytic recycling compartment maintains cargo segregation acquired upon exit from the sorting endosome
Authors: Xie Shuwei , Bahl Kriti , Reinecke James B. , Hammond Gerald R. V. , Naslavsky Naava , Caplan Steve
Published: October 2015

The endocytic recycling compartment (ERC) is a series of perinuclear tubular and vesicular membranes that regulates recycling to the plasma membrane. Despite evidence that cargo is sorted at the early/sorting endosome (SE), whether cargo mixes downstream at the ERC or remains segregated is an unanswered question. Here we use three-dimensional (3D) structured illumination microscopy and dual-channel and 3D direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) to obtain new information about ERC morphology and cargo segregation. We show that cargo internalized either via clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) or independently of clathrin (CIE) remains segregated in the ERC, likely on distinct carriers. This suggests that no further sorting occurs upon cargo exit from SE. Moreover, 3D dSTORM data support a model in which some but not all ERC vesicles are tethered by contiguous “membrane bridges.” Furthermore, tubular recycling endosomes preferentially traffic CIE cargo and may originate from SE membranes. These findings support a significantly altered model for endocytic recycling in mammalian cells in which sorting occurs in peripheral endosomes and segregation is maintained at the ERC.
tcsBU: a tool to extend TCS network layout and visualization
Authors: Múrias dos Santos António , Cabezas Maria Pilar , Tavares Ana Isabel , Xavier Raquel , Branco Madalena
Published: October 2015

Motivation: TCS is a widely used haplotype network reconstruction software, but lacks the capability of overlapping genetic with geographic structure, which is often a first step in phylogeographic analysis.

Results: tcsBU is a web-based program that extends the capabilities of TCS, by implementing haplotype classification into an arbitrary user-defined scheme, which is displayed as pie-chart like graphs embedded into the network. Taking advantage of modern graphic libraries, tcsBU also improves the speed at which the final network layout is reached. Networks can be saved as a Scalable Vector Graphics format.

Availability and implementation: tcsBU is available on-line at http://cibio.up.pt/software/tcsBU/. The source code is freely available from https://github.com/sairum/tcsbu/ under a standard MIT license.

Contact:  amsantos@fc.up.pt
Early evidence of the impact of preindustrial fishing on fish stocks from the mid-west and southeast coastal fisheries of Scotland in the 19th century
Authors: Jones Peter , Cathcart Alison , Speirs Douglas C.
Published: October 2015

In recent years, historical ecologists have turned their attention to the long-term impact of fishing on coastal marine ecosystems in the North Atlantic. Through the examination of non-traditional sources, scientists and scholars are beginning to piece together a clearer picture of ecosystem change over centuries of anthropogenic influence. One aspect of this long-term approach is that data are being recovered from some surprising sources, and, when placed alongside other evidence, are being used to create models of change through time where previously none would have been thought possible. Taking its lead from this work, our research takes a mixed approach to the history of Scotland's regional fisheries in the 19th century, combining the anecdotal evidence of fishers to parliamentary commissions of enquiry with data relating to landings and fishing effort which were gathered by the United Kingdom Fishery Board from 1809 onwards. As a result, it has been possible to calculate catch per unit effort (cpue) for the period between 1845 and the mid-1880s which, when placed alongside the direct evidence of fishers, lead to some unexpected conclusions. In particular, we demonstrate that inshore stocks of commercial whitefish appear to have been in decline by the mid-1850s in some areas, many years before the widespread adoption of beam trawling in Scotland; and we conclude that the most likely reason for this decline is the rapid intensification of fishing from open boats using the traditional techniques of handlines and longlines.
Identifying unmet informational needs in the inpatient setting to increase patient and caregiver engagement in the context of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kaziunas Elizabeth , Hanauer David A , Ackerman Mark S , Choi Sung Won
Published: October 2015

Background Patient-centered care has been shown to improve patient outcomes, satisfaction, and engagement. However, there is a paucity of research on patient-centered care in the inpatient setting, including an understanding of unmet informational needs that may be limiting patient engagement. Pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) represents an ideal patient population for elucidating unmet informational needs, due to the procedure’s complexity and its requirement for caregiver involvement.

Methods We conducted field observations and semi-structured interviews of pediatric HSCT caregivers and patients to identify informational challenges in the inpatient hospital setting. Data were analyzed using a thematic grounded theory approach.

Results Three stages of the caregiving experience that could potentially be supported by a health information technology system, with the goal of enhancing patient/caregiver engagement, were identified: (1) navigating the health system and learning to communicate effectively with the healthcare team, (2) managing daily challenges of caregiving, and (3) transitioning from inpatient care to long-term outpatient management.

Discussion We provide four practical recommendations to meet the informational needs of pediatric HSCT patients and caregivers: (1) provide patients/caregivers with real-time access to electronic health record data, (2) provide information about the clinical trials in which the patient is enrolled, (3) provide information about the patient’s care team, and (4) properly prepare patients and caregivers for hospital discharge.

Conclusion Pediatric HSCT caregivers and patients have multiple informational needs that could be met with a health information technology system that integrates data from several sources, including electronic health records. Meeting these needs could reduce patients’ and caregivers’ anxiety surrounding the care process; reduce information asymmetry between caregivers/patients and providers; empower patients/caregivers to participate in the care process; and, ultimately, increase patient/caregiver engagement in the care process.
Phase change and flowering in woody plants of the New Zealand flora
Authors: Jameson Paula E , Clemens John
Published: October 2015

Heteroblastic and homoblastic woody plants from the New Zealand flora provide a rich playground for testing hypotheses relating to phase change and flowering.
Should Partial Hydrolysates Be Used as Starter Infant Formula? A Working Group Consensus
Authors: Vandenplas Yvan , Alarcon Pedro , Fleischer David , Hernell Olle , Kolacek Sanja , Laignelet Hugo , Lönnerdal Bo , Raman Rita , Rigo Jacques , Salvatore Silvia , Shamir Raanan , Staiano Annamaria , Szajewska Hania , Van Goudoever Hans J. , von Berg Andrea , Lee Way S.
Published: October 2015

Partially hydrolyzed formulas (pHFs) are increasingly used worldwide, both in the prevention of atopic disease in at‐risk infants and in the therapeutic management of infants with functional gastrointestinal manifestations. Because prevention is always preferable to treatment, we reviewed the literature aiming to find an answer for the question whether pHF may be recommended for feeding all infants if breast‐feeding is not possible. PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2014. In addition, to search for data that remained undetected by the searches, we approached authors of relevant articles and major producers of pHFs asking for unpublished data. Because few data were found, nonrandomized, controlled trials and trials in preterm infants were included as well. Overall, only limited data could be found on the efficacy and safety of pHF in healthy term infants. Available data do not indicate that pHFs are potentially harmful for healthy, term infants. With respect to long‐term outcomes, particularly referring to immune, metabolic and hormonal effects, data are, however, nonexistent. From a regulatory point of view, pHFs meet the nutrient requirements to be considered as standard formula for term healthy infants. Cost, which is different from country to country, should be considered in the decision‐making process. Based on limited available data, the use of pHF in healthy infants is safe with regard to growth. The lack of data, in particular for metabolic consequences and long‐term outcomes, is, however, the basis for our recommendation that health authorities should develop and support long‐term follow‐up studies. Efficacy and long‐term safety data are required before a recommendation of this type of formula for all infants can be made.
A Pilot Study of Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy to Predict Barrier Dysfunction and Relapse in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Shavrov Anton , Kharitonova Anastasia Y. , Davis Elisabeth M. , Claggett Brian , Morozov Dmitriy A. , Brown Daniel K. , Shavrov Andrey A. , Liu Julia J.
Published: October 2015

Objectives:

Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is a novel imaging modality that enables virtual optical biopsy in vivo. Loss of barrier function of the small bowel observed via pCLE as increased density of epithelial gaps (extrusion zones left in the intestinal lining after cells are shed) is predictive of relapse in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aims to determine whether such observations on pCLE are similarly predictive of disease relapse in pediatric patients with IBD.

Methods:

Pediatric patients with biopsy‐proven IBD underwent pCLE during colonoscopy and subsequent clinical follow‐up every 6 months. Relapse was defined as moderate to severe flare with endoscopic evidence of inflammation during the follow‐up period. The relations between epithelial gap density, disease relapse, and imaging parameters were determined using Cox models.

Results:

Twenty‐four patients with IBD (13 with Crohn disease, 11 with ulcerative colitis) with a median age of 14 years (range 10–21) were studied for a median of 13 (4–33) months. The median duration of disease was 2.9 years (range 0–9). Increased epithelial gap density in the terminal ileum on pCLE of normal endoscopic appearing terminal ileum mucosa (N = 19) was predictive of disease relapse when 3 or more areas were imaged (N = 6, log‐rank P = 0.02, C‐statistic = 0.94).

Conclusions:

In pediatric patients with IBD, barrier dysfunction observed on pCLE imaging of the small bowel was predictive of disease relapse.
A prospective randomized trial examining health care utilization in individuals using multiple smartphone-enabled biosensors
Authors: Bloss Cinnamon S. , Wineinger Nathan E. , Peters Melissa , Boeldt Debra L. , Ariniello Lauren , Kim Ju Young , Sheard Judy , Komatireddy Ravi , Barrett Paddy , Topol Eric J.
Published: October 2015

Background

Mobile health and digital medicine technologies are becoming increasingly used by individuals with common, chronic diseases to monitor their health. Numerous devices, sensors, and apps are available to patients and consumers – some of which have been shown to lead to improved health management and health outcomes. However, no randomized controlled trials have been conducted which examine health care costs, and most have failed to provide study participants with a truly comprehensive monitoring system.

Methods

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial of adults who had submitted a 2012 health insurance claim associated with hypertension, diabetes, and/or cardiac arrhythmia. The intervention involved receipt of one or more mobile devices that corresponded to their condition(s) and an iPhone with linked tracking applications for a period of 6 months; the control group received a standard disease management program. Moreover, intervention study participants received access to an online health management system which provided participants detailed device tracking information over the course of the study. This was a monitoring system designed by leveraging collaborations with device manufacturers, a connected health leader, health care provider, and employee wellness program – making it both unique and inclusive. We hypothesized that health resource utilization with respect to health insurance claims may be influenced by the monitoring intervention. We also examined health-self management.

Results & Conclusions

There was little evidence of differences in health care costs or utilization as a result of the intervention. Furthermore, we found evidence that the control and intervention groups were equivalent with respect to most health care utilization outcomes. This result suggests there are not large short-term increases or decreases in health care costs or utilization associated with monitoring chronic health conditions using mobile health or digital medicine technologies. Among secondary outcomes there was some evidence of improvement in health self-management which was characterized by a decrease in the propensity to view health status as due to chance factors in the intervention group.

Disclosure of Funding

This research is funded in part by a NIH/NCATS flagship Clinical and Translational Science Award Grant (1UL1 TR001114), Qualcomm Foundation Scripps Health Digital Medicine Research Grant, and Scripps Health’s Division of Innovation and Human Capital and Division of Scripps Genomic Medicine. Support for the study is also provided by HealthComp Third Party Administrator, Sanofi, AliveCor, and Accenture.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov IdentifierNCT01975428
An introduction to antibiotic-free techniques to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus from blood
Authors: Gaitas Angelo , Kim Gwangseong
Published: October 2015

Here, we describe the implementation of three techniques for capturing and killing Staphylococcus aureus in blood in vitro inside a medical tube. The first technique involves capturing and removing pathogens using antibodies that are coated, via a simple chemical process, on the inner walls of a modified medical tube (tube capturing technique). In the second technique, a photosensitizer-antibody conjugate adheres to the pathogens while in circulation. When blood flows through the same kind of tube, the conjugate is activated by near-infrared (NIR) light to kill pathogens (photodynamic therapy technique). For the third technique, pathogens are exposed to light in the ultraviolet (UV) range while circulating through a similar tube (UV technique), which kills the pathogens. We spiked blood with S. aureus, starting with about 107 CFU/mL and ending at 108 CFU/mL after 5 hours. While the spiked bacteria rapidly grew in nutrition-rich whole blood, each of the three techniques were able to independently remove between 61% and 84% more S. aureus in the experimental blood sample compared to the controls groups. When combined, these techniques demonstrated a removal rate between 87% and 92%.
Toward productivity improvement in electrical engineering documentation
Authors: Zhou J. , Love P. E.D. , Matthews J. , Carey B. , Sing C.P. , Edwards D.J.
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the unproductive time and additional cost to re-engineer a safety control system for a Floating Production Storage Offloading vessel that was originally engineered and documented in computer-aided design (CAD).

Design/methodology/approach

– The “As-Built” drawings contained numerous errors and omissions, which resulted in a “requests for information” being raised and productivity rates reduced – these costs and productivity losses are quantified. The use of CAD to originally engineer and document the safety control system was found to be inefficient as a 1:n relationship existed. Systems Information Models (SIMs) presents an alternative method to produce engineering documentation for the safety control system; where a 1:1 relationship is created between the model and the real objects. By constructing a 1:1 model, information redundancy can be eliminated, which reduces the propensity for errors and omissions to be made by engineers.

Findings

– The use of a SIM to re-engineer and document the new safety control system resulted in significant productivity benefits being achieved. Consequently, it is proffered that a paradigm shift from a 1:n to 1:1 perspective is required for engineering electrical and instrumentation systems so as to ameliorate the quality of documentation produced and productivity.

Originality/value

– The paper concludes by suggesting that future research is required to examine how processes and procedures can be re-designed to accommodate the use of a SIM.
New scientometric indicator for the qualitative evaluation of scientific production
Authors: Ibrahim Nedra , Habacha Chaibi Anja , Ben Ahmed Mohamed
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to propose a new qualitative indicator for the evaluation of the productions of researchers in any discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the study of existing quantitative indicators, the authors’ approach consisted of the hybridization of two indicators. This hybridization is based on the individual H_index (Hi_index) and H_index contemporary (Hc_index) weighted by qualitative factors. The initial sources of the data are online bibliographic databases, such as Google Scholar and Publish or Perish.

Findings

– A new scientometric indicator was used to compare the scientific production quality of researchers and their classification (as part of a research community) as the classification of national and international research institutions. The authors have applied a new indicator to compare and classify the members of their laboratory, RIADI, according to their quality of scientific production.

Practical implications

– The indicator is an improvement of the H_index. It is a measure that can have an impact on society (influencing research attitudes, affecting quality of research). By this contribution, the authors measure more than one aspect by involving all the external factors that can affect the quality of research.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils a gap in the literature concerning the absence of a qualitative indicator among the set of existing quantitative measures. Additionally, this paper addresses the limitations of the existing qualitative practices, such as peer review and citation analysis. In the new qualitative indicator, the authors involve all of these qualitative aspects: the influence of the age of the paper, the number of co-authors, the order of the co-authors, the impact factor of journals and the conference rankings.
Adoption of near field communication in S-Library application for information science
Authors: YUSOF MOHD KAMIR , Abel Andrew , Saman Md Yazid , Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to first review the implementation of automatic identification and data capture) technologies in library/information science, focusing on barcode technology, radio frequency identification (RFID) and near field communication (NFC). This paper then presents S-Library, a new android-based application, to enable users to perform a wide range of information science-related transactions, such as borrowing, searching, returning and viewing transaction records.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents the design process and the database and software components. For analysis, the authors used application testing, and also usability testing, with a questionnaire distributed to 343 users.

Findings

– The implementation of NFC technology means that S-Library has a number of technical advantages over other approaches. It was also shown with user acceptance testing that there was a high degree of user satisfaction with S-Library.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the findings combine technical assessment and usability testing and are extremely positive, further user evaluation could be performed. In addition, S-Library does not currently read existing RFID tags, which would improve the application further.

Practical implications

– The system proposed here shows that S-Library is a feasible approach taken to improve the library transaction experience and that it can replace and improve upon older technologies.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a first successful demonstration of a functioning and tested android and NFC-based library transaction system and shows that this approach generates a high degree of user reliability.
Use of social media by academic librarians in Iraq
Authors: Saleem Maysoon , Aly Anne , Genoni Paul
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify the nature and extent of the “information gap” in Iraq and explore perspectives on international academic library collaboration using social media that may assist in reducing this gap. The study investigates the information gap in Iraq in the context of the country
'
s recent history of political and social upheaval.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses qualitative data collected through interviews with academic library managers, librarians and researchers in both Australia and Iraq.

Findings

– The findings demonstrate that currently academic librarians in Iraq and Australia use social media differently. The degradation of critical research infrastructure and reliable communication means that Iraqi librarians rely heavily on informal communication channels. The study finds that use of social media offers will enhance collaboration by Iraqi academic librarians and reduce the information gap.

Research limitations/implications

– There are some limitations in terms of selection sampling, approaching Iraqi participants and average quality of connections. It is suggested that snowballing and chain sampling should be used.

Social implications

– The ethical challenges that are faced by the Iraqi community with social cultural systems are in the early stages of valuing higher education and a scholarly communication system based on unfamiliar models.

Originality/value

– This study represents the first attempt to assess the information gap that exists in the wake of recent political and social upheaval, and to explore ways in which Iraqi librarians use social media to redress this gap.
Using virtual and augmented reality in the library
Authors: Massis Bruce
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the background for libraries to consider the benefit of implementing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) usage.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper includes literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings

– VR or AR are not gimmicks, and must be seen as valid additions to the toolkit that may be used by libraries to engage its audience, not only with the latest technology but also with the goal in mind of ensuring a proper approach to teaching information literacy.

Originality/value

– The value in addressing this topic is to examine the notion of virtual or augmented reality and its suggested uses in libraries to support the teaching of information literacy.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure in Chinese railway companies
Authors: Noronha Carlos , Leung Tiffany Cheng Han , Lei On Ieng
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the corporate response of Chinese railway companies after the deadly Wenzhou train accident in China which happened on July 23, 2011. Few studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in developing countries have looked into whether the information disclosed by companies is satisfactory with sufficient response after a major incident has happened.

Design/methodology/approach

– Five companies with the largest market value in the Chinese railway industry involved in the production of trains and railway systems connected to the “7.23” incident were taken as the observations in this study. Information published by the companies and the media related to the accident, including CSR and sustainability reports, company Web sites, news and press releases and Internet postings, were investigated in detail in a qualitative manner.

Findings

– The findings show that disclosure of information related to the “7.23” incident was very low or almost inexistent in the observed companies. For those that claimed that they had followed CSR reporting standards and guidelines, the disclosed information appeared to be insufficient to reveal practical information and fulfill stakeholders’ requirements. The study also sheds light on the corporate reporting behaviors of Chinese state-owned enterprises by applying legitimacy, stakeholder and institutional theories to the unique social and political environment in the country.

Originality/value

– This paper critically reveals the poor corporate response after the “7.23” incident in Chinese railway companies. The case serves as an example for the companies to ponder on what improvements are called for in terms of social reporting and relevant corporate actions after a major accident. Also, the study contributes to the CSR disclosure literature concerning developing countries by examining the case of China and the little studied railway industry run by the state.
Fast imaging of subsurface conductors using very low‐frequency electromagnetic data
Authors: Singh Anand , Sharma S.P.
Published: October 2015

The study presents a fast imaging technique for the very low‐frequency data interpretation. First, an analytical expression was derived to compute the vertical component of the magnetic field at any point on the Earth's surface for a given current density distribution in a rectangular block on the subsurface. Current density is considered as exponentially decreasing with depth, according to the skin depth rule in a particular block. Subsequently, the vertical component of the magnetic field due to the entire subsurface was computed as the sum of the vertical component of the magnetic field due to an individual block. Since the vertical component of the magnetic field is proportional to the real part of very low‐frequency anomaly, an inversion program was developed for imaging of the subsurface conductors using the real very low‐frequency anomaly in terms of apparent current density distribution in the subsurface. Imaging results from the presented formulation were compared with other imaging techniques in terms of apparent current density and resistivity distribution using a standard numerical forward modelling and inversion technique. Efficacy of the developed approach was demonstrated for the interpretation of synthetic and field very low‐frequency data. The presented imaging technique shows improvement with respect to the filtering approaches in depicting subsurface conductors. Further, results obtained using the presented approach are closer to the results of rigorous resistivity inversion. Since the presented approach uses only the real anomaly, which is not sensitive to very small isolated near‐surface conducting features, it depicts prominent conducting features in the subsurface.
Commercial Scale Cucumber Fermentations Brined with Calcium Chloride Instead of Sodium Chloride
Authors: Pérez‐Díaz I. M. , McFeeters R. F. , Moeller L. , Johanningsmeier S. D. , Hayes J. , Fornea D. S. , Rosenberg L. , Gilbert C. , Custis N. , Beene K. , Bass D.
Published: October 2015

Development of low salt cucumber fermentation processes present opportunities to reduce the amount of sodium chloride (NaCl) that reaches fresh water streams from industrial activities. The objective of this research was to translate cucumber fermentation brined with calcium chloride (CaCl2) instead of NaCl to commercial scale production. Although CaCl2 brined cucumber fermentations were stable in laboratory experiments, commercial scale trials using 6440 L open‐top tanks rapidly underwent secondary cucumber fermentation. It was understood that a limited air purging routine, use of a starter culture and addition of preservatives to the cover brine aids in achieving the desired complete cucumber fermentation. The modified process was used for subsequent commercial trials using 12490 and 28400 L open‐top tanks packed with variable size cucumbers and from multiple lots, and cover brines containing CaCl2 and potassium sorbate to equilibrated concentrations of 100 and 6 mM, respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum LA0045 was inoculated to 106 CFU/mL, and air purging was applied for two 2–3 h periods per day for the first 10 d of fermentation and one 2–3 h period per day between days 11 and 14. All fermentations were completed, as evidenced by the full conversion of sugars to lactic acid, decrease in pH to 3.0, and presented microbiological stability for a minimum of 21 d. This CaCl2 process may be used to produce fermented cucumbers intended to be stored short term in a manner that reduces pollution and waste removal costs.
Food Protein Functionality—A New Model
Authors: Foegeding E. Allen
Published: October 2015

Proteins in foods serve dual roles as nutrients and structural building blocks. The concept of protein functionality has historically been restricted to nonnutritive functions—such as creating emulsions, foams, and gels—but this places sole emphasis on food quality considerations and potentially overlooks modifications that may also alter nutritional quality or allergenicity. A new model is proposed that addresses the function of proteins in foods based on the length scale(s) responsible for the function. Properties such as flavor binding, color, allergenicity, and digestibility are explained based on the structure of individual molecules; placing this functionality at the nano/molecular scale. At the next higher scale, applications in foods involving gelation, emulsification, and foam formation are based on how proteins form secondary structures that are seen at the nano and microlength scales, collectively called the mesoscale. The macroscale structure represents the arrangements of molecules and mesoscale structures in a food. Macroscale properties determine overall product appearance, stability, and texture. The historical approach of comparing among proteins based on forming and stabilizing specific mesoscale structures remains valid but emphasis should be on a common means for structure formation to allow for comparisons across investigations. For applications in food products, protein functionality should start with identification of functional needs across scales. Those needs are then evaluated relative to how processing and other ingredients could alter desired molecular scale properties, or proper formation of mesoscale structures. This allows for a comprehensive approach to achieving the desired function of proteins in foods.
Genes involved in the regulation of intestinal permeability and their role in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Prager Matthias , Buettner Janine , Buening Carsten
Published: October 2015

Objective

Genome‐wide association studies have identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes that might influence intestinal barrier function (HNF4A, ECM1, CDH1 and LAMB1) to increase the risk for ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of our study was to detect causative sequence alterations and provide a functional link to a disturbed intestinal permeability (IP) in UC.

Methods

A total of 19 UC patients with increased IP (lactulose/mannitol ratio measured by sugar drink test) were identified from a large database, and exon/intron boundaries, coding and promoter regions of HNF4A, ECM1, CDH1 and LAMB1 were sequenced. Variants with putative protein alterations were studied for an association with IP in 82 UC patients. A case‐control analysis including a genotype phenotype correlation was performed in 743 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 473 healthy controls.

Results

In UC patients, we identified 11 missense‐mutations, 12 synonymous mutations, one putative promoter variant and three variants in introns close to the intron/exon boundaries (CDH1, HNF4A). For several variants prediction tools revealed damaging protein alterations. None of the studied variants, however, showed an association with an increased IP in UC. In the case‐control analysis, the frequency of all investigated variants did not differ between UC or Crohn's disease and healthy controls. Furthermore, no significant association was found to a distinct phenotype.

Conclusions

Despite our large sequencing approach, we could not identify protein altering variants in the genes HNF4A, ECM1, CDH1 and LAMB1 which could explain an impaired intestinal barrier function in UC. The functional relevance of these genes in IBD remains unknown.
Early atherosclerosis in ulcerative colitis: cross‐sectional case‐control study
Authors: Jain Samit S. , Shah Dharmesh K. , Gambhire Pravir A. , Varma Ravi U. , Contractor Qais Q. , Rathi Pravin M.
Published: October 2015

Objective

To study the extent of early atherosclerosis in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients by measuring carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and the correlation between CIMT, serum homocysteine level and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) in UC.

Methods

We studied 60 UC patients and 60 healthy controls. Individuals with risk factors for atherosclerosis were excluded from the study. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, HOMA‐IR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels were measured in all participants. CIMT was measured using a B‐mode duplex imaging study.

Results

UC patients had significantly higher CIMT than controls (P < 0.05). ESR, fasting insulin, HOMA‐IR and serum homocysteine levels were also significantly higher in UC patients (P < 0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient showed significant correlations between: (i) CIMT and patients’ age, duration of UC, HOMA‐IR, and homocysteine level (P < 0.05); (ii) serum homocysteine and duration of UC, fasting insulin level, HOMA‐IR and CIMT (P < 0.01); (iii) HOMA‐IR and age, duration of UC, serum homocysteine and CIMT (P < 0.01). Multi‐regression models showed that serum homocysteine affects CIMT and duration of UC independently, whereas participants’ age and duration of UC affects HOMA‐IR independently.

Conclusions

Higher CIMT might indicate subclinical atherosclerosis in UC patients. Patients’ age, duration of UC, HOMA‐IR and homocysteine levels are important factors associated with increased CIMT.
Predictive factors of splanchnic vein thrombosis in acute pancreatitis: A 6‐year single‐center experience
Authors: Toqué Laurence , Hamy Antoine , Hamel Jean‐Francois , Cesbron Elodie , Hulo Pauline , Robert Solen , Aube Christophe , Lermite Emilie , Venara Aurélien
Published: October 2015

Objective

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a potentially severe complication of pancreatitis. The aim of this single‐center, retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of SVT and to determine the connected risk factors.

Methods

All consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) managed in our hospital were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of SVT and data was collected in accordance with Ranson's criteria.

Results

A total of 318 patients were included, of whom 124 (39.0%) were women. Biliary lithiasis was the main cause of pancreatitis (n = 156, 49.1%). A total of 19 (6.0%) SVT were identified. In univariate analysis, alcohol intake, smoking and male gender were associated with SVT (P = 0.005, 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). Biological parameters significantly associated with thrombosis were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) < 500 U/L and hyperglycemia (≥ 10 mmol/L) (P = 0.009 and 0.016, respectively).

In multivariate analysis, prothrombin time >75% was a protective factor against thrombosis (OR 0.148, P = 0.019). Leukocytes >10 × 109/L (OR 6.397, P = 0.034), hyperglycemia (≥ 10 mmol/L) (OR 6.845, P = 0.023), LDH < 500 U/L ((OR 22.61, P = 0.001) and alcoholic etiology (OR 8.960, P = 0.041) were risk factors for SVT.

Conclusions

Alcohol intake, male gender and smoking should focus the physician's attention on the risk of SVT. When further associated with certain biological parameters, the physicians should consider therapeutic anticoagulation to prevent SVT.
International Asset Allocation with Regime Switching: Evidence from the ETFs
Authors: Jiang Pan , Liu Qingfu , Tse Yiuman
Published: October 2015

We develop a dynamic investment strategy with Markov regime switching (MRS) in asset allocation with international iShares exchange‐traded funds (ETFs). Using daily ETF data, we show that a portfolio based on the dynamic MRS strategy outperforms one based on static mean‐variance strategies after transaction costs. This dynamic investment strategy not only captures the regime shifts in the highly frequent trading process but also can be practically used with tradable ETFs. We investigate the reasons for predictive misjudgments and assess the contribution of each regime's investment strategy, providing insight into the characteristics of the MRS model and modifying our views on why the MRS strategy outperforms traditional strategies.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin G Improves Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Losses with Cellular Immune Abnormalities
Authors: Lee Sung Ki , Kim Jee Yun , Han Ae Ra , Hur Sung Eun , Kim Chul Jung , Kim Tae Hyun , Cho Bo Ra , Han Jae Won , Han Sae Geul , Na Baeg Ju , Kwak‐Kim Joanne
Published: October 2015

Problem

We investigated the therapeutic effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Method of study

This was a retrospective observational study. Total 189 RPL women who experienced ≥2 miscarriages were enrolled and investigated conventional etiologies, thrombophilia, and cellular immunity. Patients were divided into four groups; known etiology with (Gr1) and without cellular immune abnormality (Gr2), unknown etiology with (Gr3) and without cellular immune abnormality (Gr4). IVIG was administrated from early pregnancy to 30 weeks of gestation to women with cellular immune abnormality (Gr1 + Gr3).

Results

Cellular immune abnormalities (increased level or cytotoxicity of NK cells and Th1/Th2 ratio) were present in 111 of 189 RPL women (58.7%). Live birth rates of women with and without cellular immune abnormality were not different (Gr1 + Gr3, 84.8% versus Gr2 + Gr4, 89.7%). Furthermore, IVIG success rates were the same between Gr1 and Gr3, those who had cellular immune abnormality. Nevertheless lack of an appropriate control in this study, our IVIG outcome demonstrated better live birth rate compared with those of other investigators.

Conclusion

Treatment modalities stratified by underlying etiologies of RPL may improve pregnancy outcome. Administration of IVIG is likely to have clinical efficacy in RPL women with cellular immune abnormality.
Development of an In Vitro Model to Characterize the Effects of Transcatheter Aortic Valve on Coronary Artery Flow
Authors: Calderan Joseph , Mao Wenbin , Sirois Eric , Sun Wei
Published: October 2015

Impairment of coronary artery flow, in either acute or chronic conditions, is a severe complication of transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) implantation, which can arise due to improper TAV positioning. However, little work has been done to quantify the effects of the TAV positioning on the coronary flow. In this study, a realistic in vitro model of coronary artery flow was developed and used to investigate the impact of TAV deployed orientations on coronary flow. The coronary hemodynamics was first replicated mathematically using a lumped parameter model with time‐varying myocardial resistance. Based on the analytical model, two stepper motor controlled stopcock valves were integrated in a left heart simulator to represent the variable myocardial resistance in the experimental setup. The coronary flow and pressure waveforms obtained from the in vitro system were consistent with published data. With a TAV deployed in different orientations, the measured results demonstrated that TAV orientation does not have a significant impact on the coronary flow. The developed in vitro model can be further utilized to simulate coronary flow under various pathological conditions.
‘They will not control us’: Ingroup positivity and belief in intergroup conspiracies
Authors: Cichocka Aleksandra , Marchlewska Marta , Golec de Zavala Agnieszka , Olechowski Mateusz
Published: October 2015

This research examined the role of different forms of positive regard for the ingroup in predicting beliefs in intergroup conspiracies. Collective narcissism reflects a belief in ingroup greatness contingent on others’ recognition. We hypothesized that collective narcissism should be especially likely to foster outgroup conspiracy beliefs. Non‐narcissistic ingroup positivity, on the other hand, should predict a weaker tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. In Study 1, the endorsement of conspiratorial explanations of outgroup actions was positively predicted by collective narcissism but negatively by non‐narcissistic ingroup positivity. Study 2 showed that the opposite effects of collective narcissism and non‐narcissistic ingroup positivity on conspiracy beliefs were mediated via differential perceptions of threat. Study 3 manipulated whether conspiracy theories implicated ingroup or outgroup members. Collective narcissism predicted belief in outgroup conspiracies but not in ingroup conspiracies, while non‐narcissistic ingroup positivity predicted lower conspiracy beliefs, regardless of them being ascribed to the ingroup or the outgroup.
Patients' experiences withHMEs and attachments after total laryngectomy
Authors: Macri G.F. , Bogaardt H. , Parrilla C. , Minni A. , D'Alatri L. , de Vincentiis M. , Greco A. , Paludetti G.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

The short‐term and long‐term beneficial effects ofHMEuse by laryngectomees are well described in literature. In this study, we document how laryngectomised patients, who previously did not use anHME, get accustomed to the use ofHMEand attachments.

Participants

Thirty patients, who were at least 3 months post‐laryngectomy and previously did not use anHME, were followed for 12 weeks and were asked to complete questionnaires about their experiences with theHMEand attachments.

Results

Results show that when patients start using anHME, they report some difficulties with breathing resistance during the first 2 weeks of use. However, after 6 weeks, they have become accustomed to the breathing resistance and after 12 weeks over 96% reports that breathing was equal or less strenuous compared with breathing though an open stoma. Only a small proportion of patients experienced problems with increased coughing when startingHMEuse.

Conclusions

This study provides insight in the way laryngectomised patients are experiencing the use ofHMEs in the first weeks. These outcomes can contribute to a better knowledge ofHMEuse by healthcare providers and help them to manage patient expectations and improving support to patients in achieving compliantHMEuse.