bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carotene production from waste cooking oil by Blakeslea trispora in a bubble column reactor: The role of oxidative stress
Authors: Nanou Konstantina , Roukas Triantafyllos , Papadakis Emmanuel , Kotzekidou Parthena
Published: February 2017

The oxidative stress induced by hydroperoxides and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during carotene production from waste cooking oil (WCO) and corn steep liquor (CSL) by the fungus Blakeslea trispora in a bubble column reactor was investigated. The specific activities of the intracellular enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as the micromorphology of the fungus were measured in order to study the response of the fungus to oxidative stress. The changes of the morphology of microorganism leaded to pellets formation and documented using a computerized image analysis system. As a consequence of the mild oxidative stress induced by hydroperoxides of WCO and ROS a significant increase in carotene production was obtained. The highest carotene concentration (980.0 mg/l or 51.5 mg/g dry biomass) was achieved in a medium consisted of CSL (80.0 g/L) and WCO (50.0 g/L) at an aeration rate of 5 vvm after 6 days of fermentation. In this case the carotenes produced consisted of β‐carotene (71%), γ‐carotene (26%), and lycopene (3%). The strong oxidative stress in the fungus caused a significant increase of γ‐carotene concentration. Bubble column reactor is a useful fermentation system for carotene production in industrial scale.
Northern range extension of the seagrass Halodule emarginata Hartog
Authors: de Souza Barros Kcrishna Vilanova , de Macedo Carneiro Pedro Bastos , Amorim Lucas Antunes , do Nascimento Costa Francimeire , de Almeida Rocha‐Barreira Cristina
Published: February 2017

The seagrass Halodule emarginata is an endemic tropical species of Brazil, previously found from São Paulo to Bahia. The present study gives more ecological information of this species and report the extension of its northern range where it occurs in an estuarine area of Aquiraz‐Ceará, semiarid coast of Brazil. In November 2014, the meadow was discovered, georeferenced and mapped. Five cores were collected for morphometrical analyses of H. emarginata and associated florofaunistic species. Two beds of H. emarginata with areas of 177.8 m2 and 5012.3 m2 were identified in the estuary of the Pacoti River, indicating an extension of its known range by 1500 km to the north. Despite the emarginate apex, morphological patterns revealed that specimens were slightly less developed than previously described in the literature, probably due to estuarine stress. However, algal biodiversity (seven species) in the studied meadows was within the range observed for other estuarine meadows in Brazil, with presence of Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta. The main groups of invertebrate megafauna were present, including 13 taxa mainly of Mollusca, Crustacea and Polychaeta. This meadow will be monitored in order to understand its dynamics and relationships with other florofaunistic species and its responses to environmental variations.
Effects of temperature on salt precipitation due to formation dry‐out during CO2 injection in saline aquifers
Authors: Zhao Ruirui , Cheng Jianmei
Published: February 2017

When CO2 is injected into saline aquifers, salt precipitation will occur near the injection well. To investigate the effects of temperature on salt precipitation, a series of non‐isothermal numerical models were conducted by simulating the injection of cold CO2 into the aquifers with relatively high temperature. Some thermal processes, the evolution of CO2 plume, salt precipitation, the effects of gravity, and permeability reduction were analyzed. Furthermore, the deviance of the isothermal model was evaluated. The results show that the heat exchange between cold CO2 and hot rock significantly affects the formation temperature. The injection of colder CO2 can obviously decrease the extent of salt precipitation. A localized region with very large solid saturation occurs near the upper portion of the dry‐out front. Furthermore, another localized region with larger solid saturation emerges near the lower portion of the dry‐out front when the CO2 injection rate is low. This region seems to move upward because of dissolution and reprecipitation of salt caused by capillary‐driven backflow of the aqueous phase. Salt precipitation can result in a significant decrease in permeability. Temperature‐induced change of CO2 viscosity seems to have greater impact on the pressure evolution in the formation than precipitation‐induced change of permeability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left ventricular systolic function is associated with sympathetic nervous activity and markers of inflammation in cirrhosis
Authors: Yotti Raquel , Ripoll Cristina , Benito Yolanda , Catalina Maria Vega , Elízaga Jaime , Rincón Diego , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco , Bermejo Javier , Bañares Rafael
Published: February 2017

An accurate evaluation of cardiac function in patients with cirrhosis remains a challenge. We used robust echocardiographic indices to characterize left ventricular (LV) systolic function and its relationship to activation of the sympathetic nervous system and inflammation in 59 patients with cirrhosis and 59 age‐matched controls. Additionally, in 11 patients we withdrew beta‐blockers and diuretics and used phenylephrine and albumin infusion to evaluate the response to acute afterload and preload changes (interventional substudy). Measures of systolic LV function such as the ejection intraventricular pressure difference (EIVPD) and the systolic strain rate were higher in patients with cirrhosis than in controls (median [1st‐3rd quartile], 4.0 [3.1‐5.1] versus 2.9 [2.4‐3.6] mm Hg and –1.3 [–1.6 to –1.1] versus –1.2 [–1.6 to –1.1)] s–1, respectively; P < 0.05 for both). EIVPD was related to the severity of liver disease (Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease, rho = 0.45, P < 0.001), the degree of sympathetic nervous system activation (noradrenaline, rho = 0.26, P = 0.05; heart rate variability, rho = –0.43, P = 0.003), and treatment with beta‐blockers (P = 0.001). In the interventional substudy, EIVPD was higher in patients with ascites (6.5 [5.4‐8.5] versus 4.0 [3.9‐5.1] mm Hg, P = 0.045). The decrease in EIVPD induced by phenylephrine was inversely related to baseline systolic function (P < 0.05) and associated with markers of systemic vasodilatation (nitric oxide, rho = –0.66, P = 0.06; diastolic blood pressure, rho = 0.68, P = 0.04) and inflammation (interleukin‐1beta, rho = –0.80, P = 0.009). Conclusion: LV systolic function is enhanced in cirrhosis due to augmented adrenergic tone and modulated by treatment with beta‐blockers; acute afterload stress induces a deeper impairment of systolic function in patients with more advanced degrees of vasodilatation and inflammation; these changes in LV function related to cirrhosis can be assessed using robust echocardiographic methods. (Hepatology 2017;65:2019‐2030).
RIG‐I is a key antiviral interferon‐stimulated gene against hepatitis E virus regardless of interferon production
Authors: Xu Lei , Wang Wenshi , Li Yunlong , Zhou Xinying , Yin Yuebang , Wang Yijin , de Man Robert A. , van der Laan Luc J.W. , Huang Fen , Kamar Nassim , Peppelenbosch Maikel P. , Pan Qiuwei
Published: February 2017

Interferons (IFNs) are broad antiviral cytokines that exert their function by inducing the transcription of hundreds of IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs). However, little is known about the antiviral potential of these cellular effectors on hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection, the leading cause of acute hepatitis globally. In this study, we profiled the antiviral potential of a panel of important human ISGs on HEV replication in cell culture models by overexpression of an individual ISG. The mechanism of action of the key anti‐HEV ISG was further studied. We identified retinoic acid–inducible gene I (RIG‐I), melanoma differentiation–associated protein 5, and IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) as the key anti‐HEV ISGs. We found that basal expression of RIG‐I restricts HEV infection. Pharmacological activation of the RIG‐I pathway by its natural ligand 5′‐triphosphate RNA potently inhibits HEV replication. Overexpression of RIG‐I activates the transcription of a wide range of ISGs. RIG‐I also mediates but does not overlap with IFN‐α‐initiated ISG transcription. Although it is classically recognized that RIG‐I exerts antiviral activity through the induction of IFN production by IRF3 and IRF7, we reveal an IFN‐independent antiviral mechanism of RIG‐I in combating HEV infection. We found that activation of RIG‐I stimulates an antiviral response independent of IRF3 and IRF7 and regardless of IFN production. However, it is partially through activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) cascade of IFN signaling. RIG‐I activated two distinct categories of ISGs, one JAK‐STAT‐dependent and the other JAK‐STAT‐independent, which coordinately contribute to the anti‐HEV activity. Conclusion: We identified RIG‐I as an important anti‐HEV ISG that can be pharmacologically activated; activation of RIG‐I stimulates the cellular innate immunity against HEV regardless of IFN production but partially through the JAK‐STAT cascade of IFN signaling. (Hepatology 2017;65:1823‐1839).
Ammonia lowering reverses sarcopenia of cirrhosis by restoring skeletal muscle proteostasis
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Davuluri Gangarao , Silva Rafaella Nascimento e , Engelen Marielle P.K.J. , Ten Have Gabrie A.M. , Prayson Richard , Deutz Nicolaas E.P. , Dasarathy Srinivasan
Published: February 2017

Sarcopenia or skeletal muscle loss is a frequent, potentially reversible complication in cirrhosis that adversely affects clinical outcomes. Hyperammonemia is a consistent abnormality in cirrhosis that results in impaired skeletal muscle protein synthesis and breakdown (proteostasis). Despite the availability of effective ammonia‐lowering therapies, whether lowering ammonia restores proteostasis and increases muscle mass is unknown. Myotube diameter, protein synthesis, and molecular responses in C2C12 murine myotubes to withdrawal of ammonium acetate following 24‐hour exposure to 10 mM ammonium acetate were complemented by in vivo studies in the hyperammonemic portacaval anastomosis rat and sham‐operated, pair‐fed Sprague‐Dawley rats treated with ammonia‐lowering therapy by l‐ornithine l‐aspartate and rifaximin orally for 4 weeks. We observed reduced myotube diameter, impaired protein synthesis, and increased autophagy flux in response to hyperammonemia, which were partially reversed following 24‐hour and 48‐hour withdrawal of ammonium acetate. Consistently, 4 weeks of ammonia‐lowering therapy resulted in significant lowering of blood and skeletal muscle ammonia, increase in lean body mass, improved grip strength, higher skeletal muscle mass and diameter, and an increase in type 2 fibers in treated compared to untreated portacaval anastomosis rats. The increased skeletal muscle myostatin expression, reduced mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 function, and hyperammonemic stress response including autophagy markers normally found in portacaval anastomosis rats were reversed by treatment with ammonia‐lowering therapy. Despite significant improvement, molecular and functional readouts were not completely reversed by ammonia‐lowering measures. Conclusion: Ammonia‐lowering therapy results in improvement in skeletal muscle phenotype and function and molecular perturbations of hyperammonemia; these preclinical studies complement previous studies on ammonia‐induced skeletal muscle loss and lay the foundation for prolonged ammonia‐lowering therapy to reverse sarcopenia of cirrhosis. (Hepatology 2017;65:2045‐2058).
Hepatitis B reactivation in hepatitis B and C coinfected patients treated with antiviral agents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Guofeng , Wang Cheng , Chen Jing , Ji Dong , Wang Yudong , Wu Vanessa , Karlberg Johan , Lau George
Published: February 2017

There is an increased awareness of hepatitis B (HBV) reactivation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients coinfected with HBV treated with pan‐oral direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the rate of HBV reactivation in CHC patients coinfected with overt HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] positive) and occult HBV (HBsAg negative with positive HBV DNA) infection separately, treated with interferon (IFN)‐based therapy to those with pan‐oral DAAs. The primary outcome was HBV reactivation, and the secondary outcomes included hepatitis due to HBV reactivation, sustained virologic response (SVR) for CHC, loss of HBV DNA and HBsAg seroclearance. Although the pooled incidence rate of HBV reactivation, among CHC patients with overt HBV (n = 779), was similar among those treated with IFN‐based therapy (14.5%, P < 0.001) and DAAs (12.2%, P = 0.03; P = 0.91 for heterogeneity between subgroups), it was reported to occur much earlier in those treated with DAAs (4‐12 weeks during treatment) than in those treated with IFN‐based therapies (most at the end of treatment and some during follow‐up). Also, studies with DAA‐based therapies were more likely to report incidence of hepatitis due to HBV reactivation (12.2% in DAAs vs. 0% in IFN; P = 0.009 for heterogeneity between subgroups). HBV reactivation and hepatitis due to HBV reactivation also occurred, though less frequently in CHC patients with occult HBV infection. CHC SVR was not affected by HBV reactivation (P = 0.27). Conclusion: HBV reactivation occurs earlier and is clinically more significant in CHC patients coinfected with overt and occult HBV who are treated with pan‐oral DAAs compared with IFN‐based therapy. It is therefore important to have all patients screened for evidence of overt or occult HBV infection and managed during pan‐oral DAAs therapy. (Hepatology 2017;66:13–26).
Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide is the limiting host factor of hepatitis B virus infection in macaque and pig hepatocytes
Authors: Lempp Florian A. , Wiedtke Ellen , Qu Bingqian , Roques Pierre , Chemin Isabelle , Vondran Florian W. R. , Le Grand Roger , Grimm Dirk , Urban Stephan
Published: February 2017

Infections with the human hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) depend on species‐specific host factors like the receptor human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (hNTCP). Complementation of mouse hepatocytes with hNTCP confers susceptibility to HDV but not HBV, indicating the requirement of additional HBV‐specific factors. As an essential premise toward the establishment of an HBV‐susceptible animal model, we investigated the role of hNTCP as a limiting factor of hepatocytes in commonly used laboratory animals. Primary hepatocytes from mice, rats, dogs, pigs, rhesus macaques, and cynomolgus macaques were transduced with adeno‐associated viral vectors encoding hNTCP and subsequently infected with HBV. Cells were analyzed for Myrcludex B binding, taurocholate uptake, HBV covalently closed circular DNA formation, and expression of all HBV markers. Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) from the respective species was cloned and analyzed for HBV and HDV receptor activity in a permissive hepatoma cell line. Expression of hNTCP in mouse, rat, and dog hepatocytes permits HDV infection but does not allow establishment of HBV infection. Contrarily, hepatocytes from cynomolgus macaques, rhesus macaques, and pigs became fully susceptible to HBV upon hNTCP expression with efficiencies comparable to human hepatocytes. Analysis of cloned Ntcp from all species revealed a pronounced role of the human homologue to support HBV and HDV infection. Conclusion: Ntcp is the key host factor limiting HBV infection in cynomolgus and rhesus macaques and in pigs. In rodents (mouse, rat) and dogs, transfer of hNTCP supports viral entry but additional host factors are required for the establishment of HBV infection. This finding paves the way for the development of macaques and pigs as immunocompetent animal models to study HBV infection in vivo, immunological responses against the virus and viral pathogenesis. (Hepatology 2017;66:703–716).
Impact of complex aquifer geometry on groundwater storage in high‐elevation meadows of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA
Authors: Ciruzzi Dominick M. , Lowry Christopher S.
Published: February 2017

Recent research has indicated that Sierra Nevada meadows are hydrologically more complex than previously considered. Improved understanding of the effects of aquifer parameters and climate change on water resources in and downstream of meadows is critically needed to effectively manage mountain meadows for ecosystem services and watershed contributions. This research investigates the roles of bedrock geometry, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and meadow gradient in affecting groundwater storage dynamics and surface‐water outflows in site‐scale high‐elevation meadows. Under current and projected lower snowpack conditions, we modeled groundwater flow in representative high‐elevation meadows considering 2 conceptual aquifer thickness models: uniform and variable thickness. Spatially, variable aquifer thicknesses interpreted from bedrock depths (0–28 m) were identified from a high‐resolution ground‐penetrating radar survey conducted at Tuolumne Meadows, CA. Our interpreted bedrock surface indicated several buried U‐shaped valleys including a buried ridge that separates 2 U‐shaped valleys. Groundwater flow simulations show that an increase in meadow gradient and hydraulic conductivity led to a decrease in seasonal storage and an increase in surface‐water outflow. However, models with varying bedrock geometries change the magnitude and timing of these processes. Uniform thickness models overestimated storage at the model edges and resulted in higher projected volumes of water being released to streams earlier than previously observed.
MicroRNA‐22 Promoted Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells by Targeting HDAC6
Authors: Yan Guang‐Qi , Wang Xue , Yang Fan , Yang Min‐Liang , Zhang Gui‐Rong , Wang Guo‐Kun , Zhou Qing
Published: February 2017

Stem cells transplantation is a promising therapy strategy for accelerating periodontal regeneration and reconstruction. Genetic modification could induce stem cells directional differentiation to facilitate recovery of physiological functions. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of miR‐22 on human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). First, a cellular model of osteogenic differentiation was first established by osteogenic inductive cocktail. Real‐time PCR determined that expression of miR‐22 was significantly increased during PDLSCs osteogenic differentiation. Alizirin red staining showed that overexpression of miR‐22 in PDLSCs induced better mineralized nodule formation. Real‐time PCR and Western blot further confirmed up‐regulation of osteogenic genes Runx2 and OPN in miR‐22‐overexpressing PDLSCs. Conversely, inhibition of miR‐22 delayed the process of PDLSCs osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) was identified as a target gene of miR‐22. Overexpression of miR‐22 not only reduced the luciferase activity of the reporter containing the 3′ untranslated region of HDAC6 mRNA, but also suppressed the endogenous protein expression of HDAC6. Rescue experiment showed that the promotion role of miR‐22 in osteogenic differentiation could be relieved by overexpression of HDAC6. Meanwhile, overexpression of HDAC6 alone could also delay the osteogenic differentiation process. The results demonstrated that miR‐22 promoted PDLSCs osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting HDAC6 expression, suggesting that miR‐22 might be developed as a target of genetic modified stem cells therapy for periodontal diseases. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1653–1658, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical rationalization for reduced charge recombination in bulky carbazole‐based sensitizers in solar cells
Authors: Surakhot Yaowarat , Laszlo Viktor , Chitpakdee Chirawat , Promarak Vinich , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Kungwan Nawee , Kowalczyk Tim , Irle Stephan , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn
Published: February 2017

The search for greater efficiency in organic dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and in their perovskite cousins is greatly aided by a more complete understanding of the spectral and morphological properties of the photoactive layer. This investigation resolves a discrepancy in the observed photoconversion efficiency (PCE) of two closely related DSCs based on carbazole‐containing D–π–A organic sensitizers. Detailed theoretical characterization of the absorption spectra, dye adsorption on TiO2, and electronic couplings for charge separation and recombination permit a systematic determination of the origin of the difference in PCE. Although the two dyes produce similar spectral features, ground‐ and excited‐state density functional theory (DFT) simulations reveal that the dye with the bulkier donor group adsorbs more strongly to TiO2, experiences limited π–π aggregation, and is more resistant to loss of excitation energy via charge recombination on the dye. The effects of conformational flexibility on absorption spectra and on the electronic coupling between the bright exciton and charge‐transfer states are revealed to be substantial and are characterized through density‐functional tight‐binding (DFTB) molecular dynamics sampling. These simulations offer a mechanistic explanation for the superior open‐circuit voltage and short‐circuit current of the bulky‐donor dye sensitizer and provide theoretical justification of an important design feature for the pursuit of greater photocurrent efficiency in DSCs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mentoring program practices as predictors of match longevity
Authors: Kupersmidt Janis B. , Stump Kathryn N. , Stelter Rebecca L. , Rhodes Jean E.
Published: February 2017

Mentoring has been shown to have a small to moderate effect on youth outcomes; however, implementation of research‐based practices improves program efficacy. Benchmark program practices and Standards in the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring (MENTOR, 2009) were assessed in the current study as predictors of match longevity. Secondary data analyses were conducted on a national agency information management database from 45 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies and 29,708 matches from across the U.S. Agency leaders completed a web‐based survey describing their policies, procedures, and practices. Results revealed that the only individual Standard that was predictive of match length was the Training Standard. In addition, the sum total of both Benchmark program practices and Standards were associated with match length and long‐term relationships; however, neither predicted premature match closure. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of implementation of evidence‐based practices, particularly mentor training, for achieving effective mentoring outcomes.
A Novel Dynamic Expression of vasa in Male Germ Cells during Spermatogenesis in the Chinese Soft‐Shell Turtle (Pelidiscus sinensis)
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Piaoyi , Wu Xuling , Zhu Xinping , Xu Hongyan
Published: February 2017

vasa gene encodes a highly conserved DEAD‐box RNA helicase, required for germ cell development across animal kingdom. Vasa mutations cause male infertility in mammals. It has been widely used as a biomarker for studying animal fertility or manipulating germ cells in organisms. However, in reptilians, the functions of vasa gene involved in germ cell differentiation are largely unclear; this hampers the development of biological techniques and the improvement of the productivity in these species. Here a vasa cDNA was isolated in Chinese soft‐shell turtle and it predicts a protein of 691 amino acid residues, which is 72%, 69%, 58%, 59%, and 54–56% identical to its homolog from mouse, platypus, frog, chicken, and fish, respectively, and named as PsVasa. The Psvasa mRNA was detected exclusively in the gonads of both sexes by RT‐PCR. Chromogenic RNA in situ hybridization revealed that the Psvasa mRNA was restricted to germ cells in the testis: The psvasa mRNA is undetectable in resting spermatogonia, appears in proliferating spermatogonia, and becomes abundant in spermatocytes and detectable in spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the PsVasa in the testis is also restricted to the germ cells, rich in spermatocytes and elongated spermatids but hardly detectable in spermatogonia and spermatozoa. Taken together, Psvasa is potentially a reliable germ cell marker in the Chinese soft‐shell turtle; its RNA expression could distinguish the different spermatogenic stages of germ cells. These findings shed new insights into understanding the evolutionary conservations and divergences of vasa gene's functions in male germ cell differentiation in metazoans.
Interpatient mutational spectrum of human coronavirus‐OC43 revealed by illumina sequencing
Authors: Gorse Geoffrey J. , Patel Gira B. , Fan Xiaofeng
Published: February 2017

Human coronaviruses (HCoV) are RNA viruses that cause respiratory tract infections with viral replication of limited duration. The host and viral population heterogeneity could influence clinical phenotypes. Employing long RT‐PCR with Illumina sequencing, we quantified the gene mutation load at 0.5% mutation frequency for the 4529 bp‐domain spanning the Spike gene (4086 bp) of HCoV‐OC43 in four upper respiratory clinical specimens obtained during acute illness. There were a total of 121 mutations for all four HCoV samples with the average number of mutations at 30.3 ± 10.2, which is significantly higher than that expected from the Illumina sequencing error rate. There were two mutation peaks, one at the 5′ end and the other near position 1 550 in the S1 subunit. Two coronavirus samples were genotype B and two were genotype D, clustering with HCoV‐OC43 strain AY391777 in neighbor‐joining tree phylogenetic analysis. Nonsynonymous mutations were 76.1 ± 14% of mutation load. Although lower than other RNA viruses such as hepatitis C virus, HCoV‐OC43 did exhibit quasi‐species. The rate of nonsynonymous mutations was higher in the HCoV‐OC43 isolates than in hepatitis C (HCV) virus genotype 1a isolates analyzed for comparison in this study. These characteristics of HCoV‐OC43 may affect viral replication dynamics, receptor binding, antigenicity, evolution, transmission, and clinical illness.
The Influence of the Adult Entertainment Industry on Technology Standards for Computer, Video, and Smartphone Applications
Authors: Calcei Didier , Ohana Marc
Published: February 2017

The proliferation and diffusion of products that are based on technological standards, such as digital video discs, depends on gathering co‐sponsors who provide complementary goods (such as films and games in the case of digital video discs) that are valued by the end users. Previous studies have documented how complementary goods are delivered through the creation of business ecosystems, informal agreements, and strategic alliances. Few of those studies, however, have addressed the nature of the complementary goods that are offered, or sponsors’ attitudes toward them. This study, which focuses on the impact of the adult entertainment industry on the spread of new technological standards, highlights the extent to which the sponsor of a new technological standard is willing to go to reach an agreement with a co‐sponsor, despite the controversial nature of the goods being produced. A review of three case studies involving adult entertainment content for online, video, and smartphone applications shows that the main technology sponsor often has difficulty deciding how to deal with the availability of certain complementary goods. It also sheds light on how providers of complementary goods in any industry can gain acceptance from the main sponsor of a new technological standard. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spiritual Intelligence: Going Beyond IQ and EQ to Develop Resilient Leaders
Authors: Hacker Stephen K. , Washington Marvin
Published: February 2017

University‐based leadership development programs have long included a focus on human intelligence and emotional intelligence to foster subject and relationship competence, respectively. In response to the need to develop leaders with a strong sense of individual purpose, vision, and values who can meet the challenges of a volatile business environment, spiritual intelligence, a measure of inner resilience, is being added to executive training curricula. All three elements were addressed in a four‐year leadership development program conducted through the University of Alberta for the Alberta Heath Services and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The results of post‐program self‐assessments and 360‐degree evaluations of the 160 program participants highlight the value of this three‐tier training method in molding a new generation of resilient leaders. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beyond the Administrivia: Incorporating Best Practices to Strengthen Your Human Resources Strategic Plan
Authors: Recardo Ronald J.
Published: February 2017

Human resources (HR) professionals increasingly are being called on to better align HR processes and practices to support the enterprise‐wide business plan. Decades of experience in companies ranging in size from startups to the Fortune 10 has brought to light six best practices for optimizing the effectiveness of such efforts. HR managers must ensure that their firm's business strategy is the primary input for their own strategy, incorporate data from multiple sources and stakeholders, recognize that not all parts of an organization are equally important in terms of strategy, identify the people issues that underlie the strategy, enhance HR's services as part of the annual HR planning process, and develop a balanced scorecard of metrics. Only by understanding the implications of the enterprise‐wide strategic plan on the HR function and assessing its current capability will HR managers be able to develop an effective strategic plan and the metrics to keep it on track. The framework for doing so can be customized to suit the HR needs of organizations of all sizes and be adapted to strategic planning for other staff functions as well. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Open‐Plan Workspaces on Behavior and Performance Among Malaysian Creative Workers
Authors: Ahmadpoor Samani Sanaz , Zaleha Abdul Rasid Siti , Sofian Saudah
Published: February 2017

Attracting and retaining creative workers is essential to the success of the companies in Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor, a special economic zone and high‐tech business district that is an important driver of local development. Guided by a conceptual framework based on environmental comfort theory, researchers surveyed 238 employees in 15 firms in this region to assess the impact of employees’ perceptions of workplace design and conditions on their performance and behavior. The findings show that although open‐plan offices can contribute to teamwork and creativity, such distractions as uncontrollable and unwanted noise, lack of visual and acoustical privacy, the presence of others, and other ambient conditions in such settings may reduce not only employees’ satisfaction with their work environment, but also their performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grain classifier with computer vision using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system
Authors: Sabanci Kadir , Toktas Abdurrahim , Kayabasi Ahmet
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

A computer vision‐based classifier using an adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is designed for classifying wheat grains into bread or durum. To train and test the classifier, images of 200 wheat grains (100 for bread and 100 for durum) are taken by a high‐resolution camera. Visual feature data of the grains related to dimension (#4), color (#3) and texture (#5) as inputs of the classifier are mainly acquired for each grain using image processing techniques (IPTs). In addition to these main data, nine features are reproduced from the main features to ensure a varied population. Thus four sub‐sets including categorized features of reproduced data are constituted to examine their effects on the classification. In order to simplify the classifier, the most effective visual features on the results are investigated.

RESULTS

The data sets are compared with each other regarding classification accuracy. A simplified classifier having seven selected features is achieved with the best results. In the testing process, the simplified classifier computes the output with 99.46% accuracy and assorts the wheat grains with 100% accuracy.

CONCLUSION

A system which classifies wheat grains with higher accuracy is designed. The proposed classifier integrated to industrial applications can automatically classify a variety of wheat grains. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of Japanese consumer gender and age on sensory attributes and preference (a case study on deep‐fried peanuts)
Authors: Miyagi Atsushi
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Detailed exploration of sensory perception as well as preference across gender and age for a certain food is very useful for developing a vendible food commodity related to physiological and psychological motivation for food preference. Sensory tests including color, sweetness, bitterness, fried peanut aroma, textural preference and overall liking of deep‐fried peanuts with varying frying time (2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 15 min) at 150 °C were carried out using 417 healthy Japanese consumers. To determine the influence of gender and age on sensory evaluation, systematic statistical analysis including one‐way analysis of variance, polynomial regression analysis and multiple regression analysis was conducted using the collected data.

RESULTS

The results indicated that females were more sensitive to bitterness than males. This may affect sensory preference; female subjects favored peanuts prepared with a shorter frying time more than male subjects did. With advancing age, textural preference played a more important role in overall preference. Older subjects liked deeper‐fried peanuts, which are more brittle, more than younger subjects did.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, systematic statistical analysis based on collected sensory evaluation data using deep‐fried peanuts was conducted and the tendency of sensory perception and preference across gender and age was clarified. These results may be useful for engineering optimal strategies to target specific segments to gain greater acceptance in the market. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of magnetic mesoporous silica composite for the solid‐phase microextraction of diazinon and malathion before their determination by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Bazmandegan‐Shamili Alireza , Haji Shabani Ali Mohammad , Dadfarnia Shayessteh , Rohani Moghadam Masoud , Saeidi Mahboubeh
Published: February 2017

A novel magnetic mesoporous silica material was synthesized and used as the sorbent for the magnetic solid‐phase microextraction of diazinon and malathion before their quantification by high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The sorbent was synthesized by a surfactant‐templated one‐pot sol–gel procedure using SiO2‐coated Fe3O4 as the magnetic support, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as the template and tetraethyl orthosilicate as the silicon source. The characteristics of the prepared sorbent were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The sorbent exhibited a high maximum adsorption capacity of 19.2 and 9.4 mg/g for diazinon and malathion, respectively. The parameters affecting the microextraction were optimized by the MultiSimplex method. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration graphs were linear in the concentration ranges of 0.3–50.0 and 0.5–50 μg/L with the limits of detection of 0.09 and 0.14 μg/L for diazinon and malathion, respectively. The relative standard deviations (n = 5) at a concentration level of 10.0 μg/L of analytes were less than 2.5 and 4% for intra and interday, respectively. The developed method was successfully used for the determination of diazinon and malathion in apple, tomato, cucumber, tap water, and well water samples.
Assessing Soil Properties Controlling Interrill Erosion: An Empirical Approach under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Ollobarren Del Barrio Paul , Giménez Rafael , Campo‐Bescós Miguel Ángel
Published: February 2017

Soil erodibility is a complex phenomenon that comprises a number of different soil properties. However, most current (empirical) erodibility indices are based on only a few soil properties. A feasible soil characterization of interrill erosion (IE) prediction at large scale should be based on simple, quick and inexpensive tests to perform. The objective of this work was to identify and assess those soil properties that best reflect soil vulnerability to IE. Twenty‐three agricultural soil samples located in Spain and Italy were studied. Forty‐nine different physical and chemical soil properties that presumably underpin IE were defined. Experiments were carried out in the field (in microplots using simulated rainfall) and in the lab. The most relevant variables were detected using multivariate analysis. Six key variables were finally identified: RUSLE K factor, a granulometric/organic matter content index, exchangeable sodium percentage, shear strength, penetration resistance and permeability of soil seal. The latter is proposed as a useful technique to evaluate soil susceptibility to crusting even when the crust is not present at the time of the field survey. The selected variables represented a wide range of soil properties, and they could also be successfully applied to different soils with different characteristics than those evaluated in our experiments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diversity and community composition of particle‐associated and free‐living bacteria in mesopelagic and bathypelagic Southern Ocean water masses: Evidence of dispersal limitation in the Bransfield Strait
Authors: Milici Mathias , Vital Marius , Tomasch Jürgen , Badewien Thomas H. , Giebel Helge‐A. , Plumeier Iris , Wang Hui , Pieper Dietmar H. , Wagner‐Döbler Irene , Simon Meinhard
Published: February 2017

The Southern Ocean constitutes about 10% of the global oceans' volume and is characterized by high primary production. Particulate organic matter (POM) is exported from the photic zone to the deep ocean and sustains life of particle associated (PA) and free‐living (FL) bacterial communities in the dark realm. Little is known about the composition and diversity of PA and FL bacterial communities below the photic zone and how they differ among various regions of the Southern Ocean. Therefore, we investigated the composition of small (3–8 μm) and large (> 8 μm) PA and FL (0.2–3 μm) bacterial communities between 500 m and 3600 m in the Bransfield Strait, Drake Passage, and the south Atlantic Ocean featuring also Southern Ocean water masses. PA bacterial communities had a higher OTU richness and evenness than FL ones. Taxonomic analysis revealed a different community composition between FL and PA bacteria. A large number of OTUs belonging to diverse phyla (Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Betaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia) were significantly enriched on particles; in contrast very few bacterial lineages were FL specialists. Life‐style (FL vs. PA) and region (Bransfield basin vs. other regions) strongly influenced bacterial communities. Depth explained only marginal fraction of the total variation (∼ 12%), suggesting that selective processes driven by depth have a smaller effect in the Southern Ocean when compared to life‐style (25%) and region (31%). Overall these data indicate a strong influence of isolated water masses such as the basin of the Bransfield Strait on the composition of bacterial communities in the dark ocean.
Isolation and molecular characterization of dissolved organic phosphorus using electrodialysis‐reverse osmosis and solution 31P‐NMR
Authors: Bell Douglas W. , Pellechia Perry , Chambers Luke R. , Longo Amelia F. , McCabe Kelly M. , Ingall Ellery D. , Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R.
Published: February 2017

The composition of dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP), which directly impacts its biological and chemical reactivity, remains poorly constrained due to methodological and operational challenges. A series of compound‐specific isolation experiments and bulk estuarine seawater isolations were conducted to assess the ability of coupled electrodialysis (ED) and reverse osmosis (RO) to isolate DOP from seawater for molecular characterization using solution 31P‐NMR analysis. These isolations were carried out using a recently developed small‐volume (24 L) ED/RO system. Compound‐specific isolation experiments (n = 7) averaged 64.1% ± 9.2% for final DOP recovery, while recoveries for estuarine seawater (n = 7) were on average 83.8% ± 10.7%. Nearly complete mass balance of DOP was observed for the compound‐specific isolations (88.1% ± 11.2%) with ED responsible for the majority of DOP loss (16% ± 5%). Isolation recovery was impacted by compound molecular weight rather than charge‐to‐size ratio. Isolation bias between bulk dissolved organic carbon and DOP was negligible. Solution 31P‐NMR confirmed that ED/RO isolation does not impact molecular integrity or DOP composition. In addition, solution 31P‐NMR accurately estimated several components (phosphonomethyl‐glycine, D‐glucose‐6‐phosphate, L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine) of an artificial complex DOP matrix. However, we suggest further refinements for ED/RO operation and significant caveats remain for 31P‐NMR sample preparation and the interpretation of 31P‐NMR spectra. Hydrolysis from NaOH dissolution was found to impact the ability to accurately resolve diester composition (ca. 40% underestimation) and discrimination between terminal and central phosphoanhydride atoms. Nonetheless, our results describe a viable option for the isolation and molecular characterization of marine DOP.
Improving the estimation of Lake Kinneret's heat balance and surface fluxes using the Kalman Filter algorithm
Authors: Nussboim Shulamit , Rimmer Alon , Lechinsky Yuri , Gutman Per‐Olof , Broday David
Published: February 2017

High frequency (10 min) meteorological measurements are usually the basis for surface fluxes calculations (net radiation, sensible and latent heat) over a lake surface. Data from simultaneous high frequency monitoring of the lake‐water temperature profile can be used as additional information for calculating these fluxes more accurately, if the large random fluctuations of such data could be overcome. This challenge can be achieved using an algorithm that filters out the natural noise of both the surface fluxes calculation (“model”) and the monitoring data (“measurement”), such as the Kalman Filter (KF). The KF uses statistics of the uncertainty in the dynamics of the heat balance model and the measurements, and improves the calculated heat storage estimate. The KF algorithm was applied for studying the energy balance at the surface of Lake Kinneret, Israel. We tested its operation using different algorithms, in light of seasonal variations associated with meteorological and lake temperature conditions. Typically, during the spring and summer the uncertainty of the heat storage data result in low Kalman Gain, K, whereas during calm lake conditions, in the autumn, the gain was high. Using only data already measured in “the past” and the current measurement, the KF is more suitable for cases where information regarding surface fluxes is required online than other filters (such as a moving average), which need data from “the future.”
The Effectiveness of Fear Appeals Featuring Fines versus Social Disapproval in Preventing Shoplifting Among Adolescents
Authors: Vermeir Iris , De Bock Tine , Van Kenhove Patrick
Published: February 2017

The present study investigates the effectiveness of fear appeals, including type of punishment (social disapproval vs. fines), probability of getting caught when shoplifting, and severity of the punishment, in preventing shoplifting among adolescents. Results show that when the chance of getting caught is low, social punishment messages should stress severe levels of social disapproval. When social disapproval messages imply a high probability of apprehension, the severity of social rejection does not affect shoplifting intentions. Finally, messages focusing on fines should depict large instead of small fines, irrespective of the communicated probability of getting caught.
Antecedents of Retweeting in a (Political) Marketing Context
Authors: Walker Lorna , Baines Paul R. , Dimitriu Radu , Macdonald Emma K.
Published: February 2017

Word of mouth disseminates across Twitter by means of retweeting; however, the antecedents of retweeting have not received much attention. We used the chi‐square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree predictive method (Kass, ) with readily available Twitter data, and manually coded sentiment and content data, to identify why some tweets are more likely to be retweeted than others in a (political) marketing context. The analysis includes four CHAID models: (1) using message structure variables only, (2) source variables only, (3) message content and sentiment variables only, and (4) a combined model using source, message structure, message content, and sentiment variables. The aggregated predictive model correctly classified retweeting behavior with a 76.7% success rate. Retweeting tends to occur when the originator has a high number of Twitter followers and the sentiment of the tweet is negative, contradicting previous research (East, Hammond, & Wright,
; Wu, ) but concurring with others (Hennig‐Thurau, Wiertz, & Feldhaus, ). Additionally, particular types of tweet content are associated with high levels of retweeting, in particular those tweets including fear appeals or expressing support for others, while others are associated with very low levels of retweeting, such as those mentioning the sender's personal life. Managerial implications and research directions are presented. We make a methodological contribution by illustrating how CHAID predictive modeling can be used for Twitter data analysis and a theoretical contribution by providing insights into why retweeting occurs in a (political) marketing context.
A pilot trial of square biphasic pulse deep brain stimulation for dystonia: The BIP dystonia study
Authors: Almeida Leonardo , Martinez‐Ramirez Daniel , Ahmed Bilal , Deeb Wissam , Jesus Sol De , Skinner Jared , Terza Matthew J. , Akbar Umer , Raike Robert S. , Hass Chris J. , Okun Michael S.
Published: February 2017

Background: Dystonia often has inconsistent benefits and requires more energy‐demanding DBS settings. Studies suggest that squared biphasic pulses could provide significant clinical benefit; however, dystonia patients have not been explored.

Objectives: To assess safety and tolerability of square biphasic DBS in dystonia patients.

Methods: This study included primary generalized or cervical dystonia patients with bilateral GPi DBS. Square biphasic pulses were implemented and patients were assessed at baseline, immediately postwashout, post–30‐minute washout, 1 hour post‐ and 2 hours postinitiation of investigational settings.

Results: Ten participants completed the study. There were no patient‐reported or clinician‐observed side effects. There was improvement across time on the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (χ2 = 10.7; P = 0.031). Similar improvement was detected in objective gait measurements.

Conclusions: Square biphasic stimulation appears safe and feasible in dystonia patients with GPi DBS. Further studies are needed to evaluate possible effectiveness particularly in cervical and gait features. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society