bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First principles study of oxygen vacancy defects in amorphous SiO2
Authors: Yue Yunliang , Song Yu , Zuo Xu
Published: January 2017

The oxygen vacancy defects of amorphous SiO2 (a-SiO2) in different charge states are investigated by the periodic density functional theory. Five types of the positively charged configurations are obtained including the dimer, forward-oriented, puckered 4×, 5× and back-projected unpuckered configurations. The energy, geometry structure, spin density, Bader charge and Fermi contact are concerned for these systems. These defects can be regarded as the potential microscopic structures for the corresponding centers including Eα′, Eγ′ and Eδ′ in the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments. Then, the charge-state transitions of these defects are investigated by intentionally adding one electron to the positively charged systems. For the dimer, puckered 4× and back-projected unpuckered configurations, all of the corresponding neutral species maintain their initial types of geometry structures. For the forward-oriented configurations, the corresponding neutral species transform into the structures of the divalent Si atom. The puckered 5× configurations have the most abundant neutral species: some of them could maintain its style of the puckered 5× configurations, and some collapse to the neutral dimer or forward-oriented configurations. The dimer configurations have the lowest thermodynamic charge-state levels, and the puckered 4× configurations have the highest thermodynamic charge-state levels among the five types of configurations. This work is of benefit to identifying and controlling the oxygen defects in a-SiO2.
Thermal conductivity model for powdered materials under vacuum based on experimental studies
Authors: Sakatani N. , Ogawa K. , Iijima Y. , Arakawa M. , Honda R. , Tanaka S.
Published: January 2017

The thermal conductivity of powdered media is characteristically very low in vacuum, and is effectively dependent on many parameters of their constituent particles and packing structure. Understanding of the heat transfer mechanism within powder layers in vacuum and theoretical modeling of their thermal conductivity are of great importance for several scientific and engineering problems. In this paper, we report the results of systematic thermal conductivity measurements of powdered media of varied particle size, porosity, and temperature under vacuum using glass beads as a model material. Based on the obtained experimental data, we investigated the heat transfer mechanism in powdered media in detail, and constructed a new theoretical thermal conductivity model for the vacuum condition. This model enables an absolute thermal conductivity to be calculated for a powder with the input of a set of powder parameters including particle size, porosity, temperature, and compressional stress or gravity, and vice versa. Our model is expected to be a competent tool for several scientific and engineering fields of study related to powders, such as the thermal infrared observation of air-less planetary bodies, thermal evolution of planetesimals, and performance of thermal insulators and heat storage powders.
Has canopy height and biomass recovered 78 years after an intense fire in south-western Australia's red tingle (Eucalyptus jacksonii) forests?
Authors: Wardell-Johnson Grant , Crellin Liam , Napier Casey , Meigs Garrett , Stevenson Alyssa , Wong Su Ing
Published: January 2017

Tall eucalypt old-growth forests are notable for their large, old (i.e. venerable) trees and have both significant conservation value and high carbon stores. We investigated whether canopy height and biomass had recovered in an old-growth red tingle (Eucalyptus jacksonii) forest 78 years after a high-intensity fire. We recorded species, diameter, hollow butting and height of all 596 trees >10-cm diameter at breast height, as well as fine and coarse woody debris, in a 3.55-ha plot near Nornalup, south-western Australia. Pre-fire canopy height was estimated by allometrics derived from tree height and diameter, and diameter and length of recently fallen branches. Of the basal area (75.0 m2 ha–1), 92.7% was eucalypt (chiefly E. jacksonii), with regeneration accounting for only 8.5% of the total. Although canopy species composition apparently did not change following fire, stand height and biomass had not recovered to pre-1937 levels by 2015. Canopy height remained 5.06 m (11%) less and biomass 25% less, 78 years after the fire. The combination of intense fire and a warmer, drier climate appears to have prevented recovery of forest height and structure at this site. These findings indicate that ecologically important, venerable trees are increasingly vulnerable to canopy fire and climate change.
Detection of vulnerable neurons damaged by environmental insults in utero
Authors: Torii Masaaki , Sasaki Masanori , Chang Yu-Wen , Ishii Seiji , Waxman Stephen G. , Kocsis Jeffery D. , Rakic Pasko , Hashimoto-Torii Kazue
Published: January 2017

Significance

We have developed a fluorescence reporter system in mice capable of exposing neurons that survive prenatal damage but remain vulnerable in postnatal life. This reporter system can be exploited to study molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in neuronal response to stress and pathogenesis of various tissues and organs during development as well as in adulthood.
Using a category to accomplish resistance in the context of an emergency call
Authors: Berger Israel , Kitzinger Celia , Ellis Sonja J.
Published: January 2017

We report a single case analysis of a recorded emergency call with particular reference to the use of the non-recognitional categorical person reference ‘a personal doctor’ in the sequential context created by the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS) protocol routinely used by the emergency services. We describe both the position and the composition of the turn in which this categorical person reference is deployed in order to analyse the action accomplished by its selection. We show how this category reference is selected to support the action in which the speaker is otherwise engaged, which is to resist the sequential trajectory proposed by his interlocutor (giving instructions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Our analysis makes two key contributions: 1) it provides a concrete detailed exemplar of how analysts can ground claims about category-bound inferences in the empirical practices of talk in interaction and 2) it extends existing work on emergency calls by relating their sequential structure to the MPDS protocol.
Address practices in academic interactions in a pluricentric language
Authors: Formentelli Maicol , Hajek John
Published: January 2017

Following the recent development of address research in pluricentric languages (Clyne et al. 2006), the present study describes address practices in English-speaking academic settings and pursues two main objectives: (a) to provide a profile of address patterns in academic interactions in Australian English; and (b) to compare address practices in higher education across the three dominant varieties of English, namely American English, Australian English, and British English. The data on Australian English are drawn from 235 questionnaires completed by students, who reported on the address strategies adopted by students and teaching staff in classroom interactions in an Australian university. Data on American and British academic settings were retrieved from the research literature on the topic. The findings show a high degree of informality and familiarity in student-teacher relations in Australia, where reciprocal first names are the default pattern of address at all levels. By contrast, in American academia the hierarchical organization of roles and the different professional positions are foregrounded and reinforced through an asymmetrical use of titles, honorifics and first names. Finally, the British university setting displays a non-reciprocal usage of first names and titles between lecturer and students, which gradually evolves into a more generalised reciprocal use of first names, usually after extended contact and collaboration. We argue that the distinctive patterns of address observed in the three varieties of English reflect diverse social and cultural values systems at work in different speech communities.
An analytic expression for coronagraphic imaging through turbulence. Application to on-sky coronagraphic phase diversity
Authors: Herscovici-Schiller Olivier , Mugnier Laurent M. , Sauvage Jean-François
Published: January 2017

The ultimate performance of coronagraphic high-contrast exoplanet imaging systems such as SPHERE or GPI is limited by quasi-static aberrations. These aberrations produce speckles that can be mistaken for planets in the image. In order to design instruments, correct quasi-static aberrations or analyse data, the expression of the point spread function of a coronagraphic instrument in the presence of residual turbulence is most useful. Here, we derive an analytic expression for this point spread function that is an extension to coronagraphic imaging of Roddier's expression for imaging through turbulence. We give a physical interpretation of its structure, we validate it by numerical simulations and we show that it is computationally efficient. Finally, we incorporate this imaging model into a coronagraphic phase diversity method (COFFEE) and validate by simulations that it allows wave-front reconstruction in the presence of residual turbulence. The preliminary results, which give a sub-nanometric precision in the case of a SPHERE-like system, strongly suggest that quasi-static aberrations could be calibrated during observations by this method.
Attitudes Toward Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice Among Physical Therapists and Social Workers: A Lesson for Interprofessional Continuing Education
Authors: Gudjonsdottir Bjorg , Arnadottir Hervor A. , Gudmundsson Halldor S. , Juliusdottir Sigrun , Arnadottir Solveig A.
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

Professionals who embrace evidence-based practice (EBP) continually search for research evidence, appraise, and apply it, while interacting with each client in his/her situation. This dynamic learning process takes a substantial commitment from professionals and requires a positive attitude toward EBP. The main objective of this research was to explore the following: 1) distinct dimensions of attitudes toward adoption of EBP among physical therapists and social workers and 2) the relationship between these dimensions of attitudes and selected background characteristics of the compared professions.

Methods:

Cross-sectional web-based surveys were conducted in 2012 and 2013 on a population-based sample from the Icelandic Physical Therapy Association and the Icelandic Association of Social Workers. The participants were 214 physical therapists (76.3% women) and 163 social workers (92.2% women). The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) and its four subscales were used to survey dimensions of attitudes toward EBP. Scores on the total EBPAS range from zero to five, with a higher score indicating a more positive attitude toward EBPs. Linear regression was used to explore the relationship between the EBPAS scales and selected background variables.

Results:

The overall response rate was 39%. Both professions generally held positive attitudes toward adoption of EBP, with an average EBPAS total score of 3.06 (SD = 0.46). The professionals' background characteristics were independently related to at least one dimension of attitudes toward EBP. More positive attitudes were associated with being a physical therapist, a woman, in a younger age group, having a graduate degree, working with individual clients, and having at least five same-profession coworkers.

Discussion:

The results may be useful to design continuing education focusing on EBP. Such inventions should be targeted to professional attitudes, background, and other contextual factors.
Curvilinear Segmental Mandibular Reconstruction Utilizing Distraction Osteogenesis and Early Open Callus Manipulation
Authors: Pereira Alberto Rocha , Neves Paulo , Rosa José , Bartlett Scott
Published: January 2017

The authors present a new technique for reconstruction of large curvilinear mandibular defects with distraction osteogenesis and early open callus manipulation. In phase 1, transport disks are created from mandibular bone and distracted across the entire length of the defect, without the restriction from a mandible plate fixation. This allows for full-length distraction until enough regenerate is obtained to reconstruct the defect without the need for additional bone grafts. Taking advantage of the soft moldable regenerate, the second and final operative procedure allows for the manipulation, repositioning, and fixation of the transported segments in the ideal position creating perfect tridimensional form and symmetry of the mandible arch. In addition, the consolidation phase is shortened by the early removal of distractors, substantially reducing the total length of treatment. This article describes 2 clinical cases treated according to this technique, one with a 6-cm mandibular defect where a sagittal plane manipulation was performed, and the other with a 7-cm defect and axial plane manipulation. Five years postsurgery, both patients had achieved full stable reconstruction without the need for bone grafting, and had obtained good facial symmetry, with no recorded complications. This technique serves to establish bone transport as a valuable alternative to bone free flaps in the reconstruction of large curvilinear segmental mandibular defects.
Convection - Diffusion model of talking bacteria
Authors: Majumdar Sarangam , Mondal Subhoshmita
Published: January 2017

abstract

Quorum sensing is cell to cell communication process through chemical signals formally known as autoinducers. When the concentration of quorum sensing molecules reached threshold concentration bacteria are in active state or quorum state. In this article, we propose a mathematical model of quorum sensing systems and study this biological system numerically. Moreover, we compare the different numerical scheme with the batch culture ofP.aeruginosa. We observed a negative diffusion coefficient which plays an important role in the quorum sensing mechanism.
Glycolytic reliance promotes anabolism in photoreceptors
Authors: Chinchore Yashodhan , Begaj Tedi , Wu David , Drokhlyansky Eugene , Cepko Constance L.
Published: January 2017

Sensory neurons capture information from the environment and convert it into signals that can greatly impact the survival of an organism. These systems are thus under heavy selective pressure, including for the most efficient use of energy to support their sensitivity and efficiency1. In this regard, the vertebrate photoreceptor cells face a dual challenge. They not only need to preserve their membrane excitability via ion pumps by ATP hydrolysis2 but also maintain a highly membrane rich organelle, the outer segment, which is the primary site of phototransduction, creating a considerable biosynthetic demand. How photoreceptors manage carbon allocation to balance their catabolic and anabolic demands is poorly understood. One metabolic feature of the retina is its ability to convert the majority of its glucose into lactate3,4 even in the presence of oxygen. This phenomenon, aerobic glycolysis, is found in cancer and proliferating cells, and is thought to promote biomass buildup to sustain proliferation5,6. The purpose of aerobic glycolysis in the retina, its relevance to photoreceptor physiology, and its regulation, are not understood. Here, we show that rod photoreceptors rely on glycolysis for their outer segment (OS) biogenesis. Genetic perturbations targeting allostery or key regulatory nodes in the glycolytic pathway impacted the OS size. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling was found to regulate glycolysis, with antagonism of this pathway resulting in anabolic deficits. These data demonstrate the cell autonomous role of the glycolytic pathway in OS maintenance and provide evidence that aerobic glycolysis is part of a metabolic program that supports the biosynthetic needs of a normal neuronal cell type.
WikiGenomes: an open Web application for community consumption and curation of gene annotation data in Wikidata
Authors: Putman Tim E. , Lelong Sebastien , Burgstaller-Muehlbacher Sebastian , Waagmeester Andra , Diesh Colin , Dunn Nathan , Munoz-Torres Monica , Stupp Gregory S. , Su Andrew I. , Good Benjamin M.
Published: January 2017

With the advancement of genome sequencing technologies, new genomes are being sequenced daily. While these sequences are deposited in publicly available data warehouses, their functional and genomic annotations (beyond genes which are predicted automatically) mostly reside in the text of primary publications. Professional curators are hard at work extracting those annotations from the literature for the most studied organisms and depositing them in structured databases. However, the resources don’t exist to fund the comprehensive curation of the thousands of newly sequenced organisms in this manner. Here, we describe WikiGenomes (wikigenomes.org), a web application that facilitates the consumption and curation of genomic data by the entire scientific community. WikiGenomes is based on Wikidata, an openly editable knowledge graph with the goal of aggregating published knowledge into a free and open database. WikiGenomes empowers the individual genomic researcher to contribute their expertise to the curation effort and integrates the knowledge into Wikidata, enabling it to be accessed by anyone without restriction.
Experimental Zika Virus Infection in a New World Monkey Model Reproduces Key Features of the Human Disease
Authors: Chiu Charles , Bouquet Jerome , Li Tony , Yagi Shigeo , Martin Claudia Sanchez San , Tamhankar Manasi , Hodara Vida L. , Parodi Laura M. , Somasekar Sneha , Yu Guixia , Giavedoni Luis D. , Tardif Suzette , Patterson Jean
Published: January 2017

Human infections by Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, are associated with a current widespread outbreak in the Americas, and have been associated with neurological complications and adverse fetal outcomes such as microcephaly in pregnant women. A suitable non-human primate model is urgently needed. To evaluate ZIKV infectivity, pathogenesis, and persistence, we inoculated 4 marmosets with ZIKV and followed them by clinical monitoring and serial sampling of body fluids for up to 11 weeks. We found that marmosets experimentally infected with ZIKV reproduced key features of the human disease, including (1) asymptomatic infection, (2) brief period of detectable virus in serum (<1 week), (3) detection in other body fluids (urine, saliva, semen, and stool) for at least 2 weeks following acute infection, and (4) persistence in lymph nodes, but not other tissues, at 1 month post-infection. ZIKV-positive saliva and serum samples, but not urine, were found to be infectious in cell culture. By day 6 post-inoculation, most marmosets exhibited detectable neutralizing antibody responses concurrent with activation of NK cell and B cell subsets and an increase in circulating cytokines associated with type II interferon signaling, Transcriptome profiling revealed enrichment of immune responses to active viral infection, with up-regulation of both type I and II interferon signaling pathways, anduncovered potential host biomarkers. These results suggest that a New World monkey model of acute ZIKV infection mimics the human disease, and is likely to be useful for testing of drug and vaccine candidates.
Gut microbiota and resistome dynamics in intensive care patients receiving selective digestive tract decontamination
Authors: Buelow Elena , González Teresita de Jesús Bello , Fuentes Susana , Piters Wouter A.A. de Steenhuijsen , Lahti Leo , Bayjanov Jumamurat R. , Majoor Eline A.M. , Braat Johanna C. , Mourik Maaike S. M. van , Oostdijk Evelien A.N. , Willems Rob J.L. , Bonten Marc. J.M. , Passel Mark W.J. van , Smidt Hauke , Schaik Willem van
Published: January 2017

Background

Critically ill patients hospitalized in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are at increased risk of acquiring potentially life-threatening infections with opportunistic pathogens. The gut microbiota of ICU patients forms an important reservoir for these infectious agents. To suppress gut colonization with opportunistic pathogens, a prophylactic antibiotic regimen, termed ‘Selective decontamination of the digestive tract’ (SDD), may be used. SDD has previously been shown to improve clinical outcome in ICU patients, but the impact of ICU hospitalization and SDD on the gut microbiota remains largely unknown. Here, we characterize the composition of the gut microbiota and its antimicrobial resistance genes (‘the resistome’) of ICU patients during SDD.

Results

During ICU-stay, 30 fecal samples of ten patients were collected. Additionally, feces were collected from five of these patients after transfer to a medium-care ward and cessation of SDD. As a control group, feces from ten healthy subjects were collected twice, with a one-year interval. Gut microbiota and resistome composition were determined using 16S rRNA phylogenetic profiling and nanolitre-scale quantitative PCRs.

The microbiota of the ICU patients differed from the microbiota of healthy subjects and was characterized by low microbial diversity, decreased levels ofE. coliand of anaerobic Gram-positive, butyrate-producing bacteria of theClostridiumclusters IV and XIVa, and an increased abundance of Bacteroidetes and enterococci. Four resistance genes (aac(6′)-Ii,ermC,qacA,tetQ), providing resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides, disinfectants and tetracyclines respectively, were significantly more abundant among ICU patients than in healthy subjects, while a chloramphenicol resistance gene (catA) and a tetracycline resistance gene (tetW) were more abundant in healthy subjects.

Conclusions

The microbiota and resistome of ICU patients and healthy subjects were noticeably different, but importantly, levels ofE. coliremained low during ICU hospitalization, presumably due to SDD therapy. Selection for four antibiotic resistance genes was observed, but none of these are of particular concern as they do not contribute to clinically relevant resistance. Our data support the ecological safety of SDD, at least in settings with low levels of circulating antibiotic resistance.
Alternative Methods for Mitochondrial Transplantation: Efficiency of Unpackaged and Lipid-Packaged Preparations
Authors: McPhie DL , Sargent LW , Babb SM , Ben-Shachar D , Cataldo AM , Cohen BM
Published: January 2017

Mitochondrial transplantation is currently being explored as a means to repair and restore proper organelle function in a variety of inherited and acquired disorders of energy metabolism. The optimal preparation and application of donor mitochondria is unknown, but most studiesin vivohave used injection techniques or, for tissue studies, unpackaged mitochondria (organelles isolated and suspended in buffer) in transplant experiments. Packaging in lipid rafts can increase recipient cell uptake of some compounds and objects. We present the first data comparing recipient cell uptake of unpackaged mitochondria to recipient cell uptake of mitochondria packaged in cell membrane lipids. Mitochondria and membranes were prepared from autologous cells and applied to cells (fibroblasts) in culture. Both unpackaged and lipid-packaged mitochondria were taken into recipient cells and the donor mitochondria showed evidence, in each case, of retained functionality and the abilityto merge with the recipient mitochondrial matrix. However, lipid packaging appeared to enhance the uptake of functional mitochondria. Current studies of mitochondrial transplantation in animal models might fruitfully explore the utility and efficacy of lipid-packaged mitochondria in transplant experiments.
Translating ceRNA susceptibilities into correlation functions
Authors: Martirosyan Araks , Marsili Matteo , De Martino Andrea
Published: January 2017

Competition to bind microRNAs induces an effective positive crosstalk between their targets, therefore known as ‘competing endogenous RNAs’ or ceRNAs. While such an effect is known to play a significant role in specific situations, estimating its strength from data and, experimentally, in physiological conditions appears to be far from simple. Here we show that the susceptibility of ceRNAs to different types of perturbations affecting their competitors (and hence their tendency to crosstalk) can be encoded in quantities as intuitive and as simple to measure as correlation functions. We confirm this scenario by extensive numerical simulations and validate it by re-analyzing PTEN’s crosstalk pattern from TCGA breast cancer database. These results clarify the links between different quantities used to estimate the intensity of ceRNA crosstalk and provide new keys to analyze transcriptional datasets and effectively probe ceRNA networksin silico.
High density genome scan for selection signatures in French sheep reveals allelic heterogeneity and introgression at adaptive loci
Authors: Rochus Christina Marie , Tortereau Flavie , Plisson-Petit Florence , Restoux Gwendal , Moreno Carole , Tosser-Klopp Gwenola , Servin Bertrand
Published: January 2017

Sheep was one of the first domesticated livestock species in the Anatolia region of contemporary Iran and eventually spread world-wide. Previous studies have shown that French sheep populations likely harbour a large part of European domesticated sheep diversity in a relatively small geographical region, offering a powerful model for the study of adaptation. We studied the diversity of 27 French sheep populations by genotyping 542 individuals for more than 500 000 SNPs. We found that French sheep breeds were divided into two main groups, corresponding to northern and southern origins and additionally we identified admixture events between northern and southern populations. The genetic diversity of domesticated animals results from adaptation of populations to constraints imposed by farmers and environmental conditions. We identified 126 genomic regions likely affected by selection. In many cases, we found evidence for parallel selection events in different genetic backgrounds, most likely for different mutations. Some of these regions harbour genes potentially involved in morphological traits (SOCS2,NCAPG/LCORL,MSRB3), coat colour (MC1R) and adaptation to environmental conditions (ADAMTS9). Closer inspection of two of these regions clarified their evolutionary history: at theLCORL/NCAPGlocus we found evidence for introgression of an adaptive allele from a southern population into northern populations and by resequencingMC1Rin some breeds we confirmed different mutations in this gene are responsible for the same phenotypic trait. Our study illustrates how dense genetic data in multiple populations allows the deciphering of evolutionary history of populations and of their adaptive mutations.
Decoding the categorization of visual motion with magnetoencephalography
Authors: Bekhti Yousra , Gramfort Alexandre , Zilber Nicolas , Wassenhove Virginie van
Published: January 2017

Brain decoding techniques are particularly efficient at deciphering weak and distributed neural patterns. Brain decoding has primarily been used in cognitive neurosciences to predict differences between pairs of stimuli (e.g. facesvs.houses), but how distinct brain/perceptual states can be decoded following the presentation of continuous sensory stimuli is unclear. Here, we developed a novel approach to decode brain activity recorded with magnetoencephalography while participants discriminated the coherence of two intermingled clouds of dots. Seven levels of visual motion coherence were tested and participants reported the colour of the most coherent cloud. The decoding approach was formulated as a ranked-classification problem, in which the model was evaluated by its capacity to predict the order of a pair of trials, each tested with two distinct visual motion coherence levels. Two brain states were decoded as a function of the degree of visual motion coherence. Importantly, perceptual motion coherence thresholds were found to match the decoder boundaries in a fully data-driven way. The algorithm revealed the earliest categorization in hMT+, followed by V1/V2, IPS, and vlPFC.
Three closely related 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-ones: pseudosymmetry, disorder and supramoleular assembly mediated by C—H...π and C—Br...π interactions
Authors: Girisha Marisiddaiah , Sagar Belakavadi K. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Rathore Ravindranath S. , Glidewell Christopher
Published: January 2017

It has been observed that when electron-rich naphthyl rings are present in chalcones they can participate in π–π stacking interactions, and this can play an important role in orientating inhibitors within the active sites of enzymes, while chalcones containing heterocyclic substituents additionally exhibit fungistatic and fungicidal properties. With these considerations in mind, three new chalcones containing 2-naphthyl substituents were prepared. 3-(4-Fluorophenyl)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C19H13FO, (I), crystallizes withZ′ = 2 in the space groupP-1 and the four molecules in the unit cell adopt an arrangement which resembles that in the space groupP21/a. Although 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C19H13BrO, (II), withZ′ = 1, is not isostructural with (I), the molecules of (I) and (II) adopt very similar conformations. In 1-(naphthalen-2-yl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, C17H12OS, (III), the thiophene unit is disordered over two sets of atomic sites, with occupancies of 0.780 (3) and 0.220 (3), which are related by a near 180° rotation of the thiophene unit about its exocyclic C—C bond. The molecules of compound (I) are linked by three independent C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds to form centrosymmetric octamolecular aggregates, whereas the molecules of compound (II) are linked into molecular ladders by a combination of C—H...π(arene) and C—Br...π(arene) interactions, and those of compound (III) are linked into centrosymmetric dimers by C—H...π(thiophene) interactions.
Supply chain practices and organizational performance
Authors: Gorane Shrikant , Kant Ravi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test a framework which identifies the relationships between various supply chain practices (SCPs) and organizational performance (operational performance (OP), customer satisfaction, and financial performance) in the context of Indian manufacturing organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

From the literature, ten SCPs are selected which finally influences the organizational performance. In order to understand the interactions between SCPs and organizational performance, this paper grouped the ten SCPs into four constructs namely: information and communication technology, supply chain (SC) integration, operational responsiveness, and closed loop green practices. Three levels of firm performance are also examined, including OP, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. The paper-based and web-based survey yielded 292 responses from the Indian manufacturing organizations. The data collected were put through rigorous statistical analysis to test for the content, construct, and criterion-related validity, as well as reliability analyses. Further a structural equation model was developed to test the relationships between SCPs and organizational performance.

Findings

The finding suggests that a successful SCPs implementation not only improves the OP, but also enhances customer satisfaction and financial performance. In addition, higher financial performance is also attributable to better customer value resulting from the achievement of better customer satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

SCPs are complex constructs. While this study shows the effect of broadly accepted SCPs on organizational performance, not all possible practices are covered in this study. Again the study can be further extended to sector specific so that the results can be further refined.

Practical implications

This is one of the few studies which attempts to investigate whether there is any relationship exits between SCPs and organizational performance. The finding will help decision makers in the organization to know the importance of SCPs and how SCPs influence the organizational performance. Second, this study has developed and validated a multi-dimensional construct of SCPs, which can assist decision makers of Indian organizations to evaluate the competence of their current status of SCPs in the organization.

Originality/value

As per the knowledge of the authors, this is the first kind of study which empirically investigated the relationships between SCPs and organizational performance in the context of Indian manufacturing organizations.
Research on the dynamic characteristics of a 3-DOF parallel tool head
Authors: Wang Dong , Wu Jun , Wang Liping , Liu Yuzhe , Yu Guang
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate the time-varying and coupling dynamic characteristics of a 3-DOF parallel tool head.

Design/methodology/approach

From the view of control, a new dynamic index of a 3-DOF parallel tool head is proposed based on the dynamic model in the joint space. This index can reflect the time-varying and coupling dynamic characteristics which are the main characteristics of the parallel mechanisms, and its distribution in the whole workspace is also given. Through comparison of the dynamic load (driving current) of each driving shaft, a series of experiments is designed and carried out on a prototype to validate the effectiveness of the dynamic analysis. The tracking error of each driving shaft has also been taken into consideration.

Findings

The simulations of the index have the same variation law with the experimental results. The dynamic load of the driving shaft becomes larger with the increase of the dynamic index, and the dynamic performance becomes worse at the same time.

Originality/value

The main dynamic characteristics of the 3-DOF parallel tool head can be described and evaluated through this work.
The antecedents of creative article diffusion on blogs
Authors: Cheng Hsiu-Hua
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Bloggers often create digital content. Diffusion of the creative articles can make many bloggers or readers visit blog platforms. Restated, diffusion of the creative articles can assist blog service providers (BSPs) to retain bloggers and attract new bloggers. Thus, the research is conducted on creative article diffusion on blogs based on innovation diffusion theory and social network theory. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an information system was used to collect 250 creative articles and social network data of these creative articles. Validity of the specific study hypotheses is tested by using multi-regression analysis.

Findings

Analytical results indicate both observability and network density positively affect creative article diffusion, and ties-strength negatively affects creative article diffusion.

Research limitations/implications

Since the interpersonal interactive mechanism of blogs differs from that of social network websites, bloggers establish different social networks which may influence innovation diffusion. However, different websites may have different interpersonal interactive mechanisms. Therefore, the results of this study should not be over-generalized.

Practical implications

For diffusing information, BSPs may focus on blog articles with trackback rate below 10 percent among the friends-bloggers network and advertise these articles to make their trackback rate increase to 10-20 percent to reach the self-sustaining status. This strategy ensures the largest payoff from creative article diffusion.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge of social network and innovation diffusion on blog website and develops a model explaining how antecedents influence creative article diffusion.
Real-time profiling of reflow process in VPS chamber
Authors: Livovsky Lubomir , Pietrikova Alena
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new method of real-time monitoring of thermal profiles applied in vapour phase soldering (VPS) reflow processes. The thermal profile setting is a significant variable that affects the quality of joints. The method allows rapid achievement of a required thermal profile based on software control that brings new efficiency to the reflow process and enhanced joint quality, especially for power electronics.

Design/methodology/approach

A real-time monitoring system based on computerized heat control was realized in a newly developed laboratory VPS chamber using a proportional integral derivation controller within the soldering process. The principle lies in the strictly accurate monitoring of the real defined reflow profile as a reference.

Findings

Very accurate maintenance of the required reflow profile temperature was achieved with high accuracy (± 2°C). The new method of monitoring and control of the reflow real-time profiling was verified at various maximal reflow temperatures (230°C, 240°C and 260°C). The method is feasible for reflowing three-dimensional (3D) power modules that use various types of solders. The real-time monitoring system based on computerised heat control helped to achieve various heights of vapour zone.

Originality/value

The paper describes construction of a newly developed laboratory-scale VPS chamber, including novel real-time profiling of the reflow process based on intelligent continuously measured temperatures at various horizontal positions. Real-time profiling in the laboratory VPS chamber allowed reflow soldering on 3D power modules (of greater dimensions) by applying various flux-less solder materials.
Coopetition in New Product Development Alliances: Advantages and Tensions for Incremental and Radical Innovation
Authors: Bouncken Ricarda B. , Fredrich Viktor , Ritala Paavo , Kraus Sascha
Published: January 2017

Coopetition (collaboration between competitors) can facilitate product innovation, but there is still debate about how it is suited to radical or incremental innovation. This paper argues that the early and later phases of coopetitive new product development (NPD) pose different benefits and risks for the innovation types. Building on the tensions approach to value creation and appropriation, we develop a series of hypotheses on the role of coopetition in NPD alliances and focal firm's innovation output. The hypotheses are tested on a quantitative data set of 1049 NPD alliances in the German medical and machinery sectors. The results show that, while coopetition is advantageous for incremental innovation in both pre‐launch and launch phases, radical innovation benefits from coopetition in the launch phase only.
Are In‐House and Outsourcing Innovation Strategies Correlated? Evidence from the European Agri‐Food Sector
Authors: Materia Valentina C. , Pascucci Stefano , Dries Liesbeth
Published: January 2017

We analyse European agri‐food firms’ choices about innovation in‐house or through outsourcing and provide empirical evidence about the correlation between these strategies. The relationship between the innovation strategy and firm‐, industry‐ and innovation‐specific characteristics is analysed through a bivariate probit model, which uses firm data from the EFIGE Bruegel‐UniCredit dataset. Transaction cost, resource base and knowledge governance arguments are used to explain the choice of innovation strategy. Our results show that the decisions to innovate in‐house or through outsourcing are independent from each other. In addition, we find that several organisational characteristics such as communication systems, human resource practices and specialisation are likely to influence both strategies. Conversely, organisational characteristics such as the allocation of authority and the business network do not seem relevant in determining the innovation strategies of the European agri‐food sector.
Factors influencing choice of pre‐hospital transportation of patients with potential acute coronary syndrome: An observational study
Authors: Lavery Tim , Greenslade Jaimi H , Parsonage William A , Hawkins Tracey , Dalton Emily , Hammett Christopher , Cullen Louise
Published: January 2017

Objective

To determine factors associated with ambulance use in patients with confirmed and potential acute coronary syndrome presenting to the ED.

Methods

A convenience sample of patients (n = 247) presenting to the ED from April 2014 to January 2015 with suspected acute coronary syndrome were included in the study. Data on mode of transport and patient demographics were collected from the Emergency Department Information System database. Clinical data were collected from chart records and information systems. A questionnaire assessed reasons for using a chosen method of transport, symptom timing and characteristics, acute coronary syndrome knowledge, and awareness of the National Heart Foundation Early Warning Symptoms campaign.

Results

Approximately half the patients (49.4%) assessed with symptoms of potential acute coronary syndrome used ambulance transport to the ED. Patients who arrived by ambulance were older than those not arriving by ambulance (mean 56.7 years vs 51.7 years, P = 0.01). Risk factors were not associated with ambulance use. Dizziness (P < 0.01), sweating (P = 0.03), nausea (P = 0.03) and vomiting (P = 0.04) were associated with increased ambulance use. Mean systolic blood pressure was lower in the ambulance group (136 mmHg, standard deviation [SD] = 19.8) than in the non‐ambulance group (143 mmHg, SD = 25.9). Awareness of the National Heart Foundation Heart Attack Warning Signs campaign was not associated with ambulance use.

Conclusions

Patients with possible ischaemic symptoms who are at a high risk of cardiac disease do not utilise ambulance services more than low risk patients. In general, transport to hospital using ambulance services by patients with symptoms of possible acute coronary syndrome is low despite community campaigns.
Dietary Tryptophan Enhanced the Expression of Tight Junction Protein ZO‐1 in Intestine
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Mi Shumei , Ruan Zheng , Li Jing , Shu Xugang , Yao Kang , Jiang Min , Deng Zeyuan
Published: January 2017

Dietary amino acids provide various beneficial effects for our health. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on barrier function. Ninety‐six healthy finishing pigs (initial body weight 51.49 ± 1.12 kg) were randomly allocated into 2 treatment groups, control group, and 0.2% Trp group. The control group was fed the basal diet, and 0.2% Trp group was fed basal diet plus 0.2% Trp. The trial period is 60 d. Compared with control group, the mRNA abundance of claudin‐3 and zonula occluden‐1 (ZO‐1) in the jejunum in 0.2% Trp group (P < 0.05) was increased. According to immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting test, the expression of ZO‐1 in jejunum in 0.2% Trp group was also significantly increased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). These results revealed that Trp enhanced the expression of tight junction protein ZO‐1 in the intestine of pig model. Trp may be potential and beneficial dietary functional factor for regulating the intestinal development and inhibiting intestinal aging.
Effect of Proteolysis with Alkaline Protease Following High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment on IgE Binding of Buckwheat Protein
Authors: Lee Chaeyoon , Lee Wonhui , Han Youngshin , Oh Sangsuk
Published: January 2017

Buckwheat is a popular food material in many Asian countries and it contains major allergenic proteins. This study was performed to analyze the effects of hydrolysis with alkaline protease following high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment on the IgE binding of buckwheat protein. Extracted buckwheat protein was treated with HHP at 600 MPa for 30 min and hydrolyzed with alkaline protease for 240 min. IgE binding was examined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with serum samples from 14 patients who were allergic to buckwheat. Depending on the serum samples, HHP treatment of buckwheat protein without enzymatic hydrolysis decreased the IgE binding by 8.9% to 73.2% or increased by 31% to 78%. The IgE binding of buckwheat protein hydrolyzed with alkaline protease decreased by 73.8% to 100%. The IgE binding of buckwheat protein hydrolyzed with alkaline protease following HHP treatment decreased by 83.8% to 100%. This suggested that hydrolysis with alkaline protease following HHP treatment could be applied to reduce the IgE binding of buckwheat protein.
Beyond the Alliance: The Regional Value of U.S.‐Japan Nuclear Cooperation
Authors: Wan Wilfred
Published: January 2017

The 2018 expiration of the Atomic Energy Agreement between the United States and Japan marks a critical juncture for the longstanding alliance, one that extends well beyond the nuclear arena. This article argues that a strengthened nuclear foundation that bolsters the U.S.‐Japan alliance could have significant ramifications, even forming a cornerstone for further security institutionalization across the whole of the Northeast Asian region. It makes the case for revisiting and reshaping all aspects of U.S.‐Japan bilateral nuclear cooperation, from civilian nuclear energy to the U.S. nuclear deterrent and the safety and security structures. The unique standing and resources of both countries on the nuclear issue make both key actors in strengthening regional and global nuclear governance, and in addressing the myriad challenges across the current landscape.
Relationship between transitional lumbosacral vertebrae and eight lumbar vertebrae in a breeding colony of Labrador Retrievers and Labrador Crosses
Authors: Moeser CF , Wade CM
Published: January 2017

Objective

Transitional lumbosacral vertebrae (TLSV) is a hereditary malformation of the spinal column diagnosed in various dog breeds. The aim of this study was to explore whether different lumbosacral phenotypes have an inherited basis.

Methods

Radiographs of all dogs within a breeding colony were performed and assessed. A comparison of the incidence ofTLSV, eight lumbar vertebrae (8LV), and fusion of the first caudal vertebrae to the sacrum or near fusion of this area was made between litters of normal parentage and litters where one or both of the parents had an anomaly.

Results

Of the 119 puppies included in the study, 69 had normal conformation, 9 had8LV, 9 hadTLSVand 32 had fusion of the first caudal vertebra (Ca1) to the caudal sacral segment or a reduced joint space in this area. Results indicated that all the abnormal types likely had common underlying genetic causes. Compared with the population as a whole, significantly more progeny were observed to have abnormalities of the sacral region when both parents were affected by either fusion of Ca1 to the third sacral vertebra (S3) and/or had8LV. Significantly more progeny were normal compared with the entire study population when both parents were normal. Strong similarity between parental and progeny phenotypes suggested that the characteristics were heritable and likely influenced by major gene effects.

Conclusion

When performing screening radiographs forTLSV, assessment for8LVand fusion of Ca1 to S3 should be included.
850. MYRCEUGENIA LEPTOSPERMOIDES
Authors: Gardner Martin F. , O'Brien Seamus D.
Published: January 2017

Though extremely rare in British and Irish gardens, the South American genus Myrceugenia shows great horticultural potential and a number of species have entered cultivation in the last four decades, primarily through the efforts of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Two of the showiest of these, Myrceugenia lanceolata and Myrceugenia leptospermoides, both Chilean endemics, are discussed.