bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural and behavioral correlates of episodic memory are associated with temporal discounting in older adults
Authors: Lempert Karolina M. , Mechanic-Hamilton Dawn J. , Xie Long , Wisse Laura E.M. , de Flores Robin , Wang Jieqiong , Das Sandhitsu R. , Yushkevich Paul A. , Wolk David A. , Kable Joseph W.
Published: July 2019

When facing decisions involving trade-offs between smaller, sooner and larger, delayed rewards, people tend to discount the value of future rewards. There are substantial individual differences in this tendency toward temporal discounting, however. One neurocognitive system that may underlie these individual differences is episodic memory, given the overlap in the neural circuitry involved in imagining the future and remembering the past. Here we tested this hypothesis in older adults, including both those that were cognitively normal and those with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We found that performance on neuropsychological measures of episodic memory retrieval was associated with temporal discounting, such that people with better memory discounted delayed rewards less. This relationship was specific to episodic memory and temporal discounting, since executive function (another cognitive ability) was unrelated to temporal discounting, and episodic memory was unrelated to risk tolerance (another decision-making preference). We also examined cortical thickness and volume in medial temporal lobe regions critical for episodic memory. Entorhinal cortical thickness was associated with reduced temporal discounting, with episodic memory performance partially mediating this association. The inclusion of MCI participants was critical to revealing these associations between episodic memory and entorhinal cortical thickness and temporal discounting. These effects were larger in the MCI group, reduced after controlling for MCI status, and statistically significant only when including MCI participants in analyses. Overall, these findings suggest that individual differences in temporal discounting are driven by episodic memory function, and that a decline in medial temporal lobe structural integrity may impact temporal discounting.
Predicting chromatin interactions between open chromatin regions from DNA sequences
Authors: Cao Fan , Zhang Ying , Loh Yan Ping , Cai Yichao , Fullwood Melissa J.
Published: July 2019

Chromatin interactions play important roles in regulating gene expression. However, the availability of genome-wide chromatin interaction data is very limited. Various computational methods have been developed to predict chromatin interactions. Most of these methods rely on large collections of ChIP-Seq/RNA-Seq/DNase-Seq datasets and predict only enhancer-promoter interactions. Some of the ‘state-of-the-art’ methods have poor experimental designs, leading to over-exaggerated performances and misleading conclusions. Here we developed a computational method, Chromatin Interaction Neural Network (CHINN), to predict chromatin interactions between open chromatin regions by using only DNA sequences of the interacting open chromatin regions. CHINN is able to predict CTCF- and RNA polymerase II-associated chromatin interactions between open chromatin regions. CHINN also shows good across-sample performances and captures various sequence features that are predictive of chromatin interactions. We applied CHINN to 84 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) samples and detected systematic differences in the chromatin interactome between IGVH-mutated and IGVH-unmutated CLL samples.
Predicting drowning from sea and weather forecasts: development and validation of a model on surf beaches of southwestern France
Authors: Tellier Éric , Simonnet Bruno , Gil-Jardiné Cédric , Bailhache Marion , Castelle Bruno , Salmi L. Rachid
Published: July 2019

Objective

To predict the risk of drowning along the surf beaches of Gironde, southwestern France.

Methods

Data on rescues and drownings were collected from the Medical Emergency Center of Gironde (SAMU 33). Seasonality, holidays, weekends, weather, and sea conditions were considered potentially predictive. Logistic regression models were fitted with data from 2011–2013 and used to predict 2015–2017 events employing weather and ocean forecasts.

Results

Air temperature, wave parameters, seasonality, and holidays were associated with drownings. Prospective validation was performed on 617 days, covering 232 events (rescues and drownings) reported on 104 different days. The area under the curve (AUC) of the daily risk prediction model (combined with 3-day forecasts) was 0.82 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.79−0.86]. The AUC of the 3-hour step model was 0.85 (95% CI 0.81−0.88).

Conclusions

Drowning events along the Gironde surf coast can be anticipated up to 3 days in advance.Preventative messages and rescue preparations could be increased as the forecast risk increased, especially during the off-peak season, when the number of available rescuers is low.
Sequence assignment for low-resolution modelling of protein crystal structures
Authors: Chojnowski Grzegorz , Pereira Joana , Lamzin Victor S.
Published: July 2019

The performance of automated model building in crystal structure determination usually decreases with the resolution of the experimental data, and may result in fragmented models and incorrect side-chain assignment. Presented here are new methods for machine-learning-based docking of main-chain fragments to the sequence and for their sequence-independent connection using a dedicated library of protein fragments. The combined use of these new methods noticeably increases sequence coverage and reduces fragmentation of the protein models automatically built with ARP/wARP.
Structure determination of the CAMP factor ofStreptococcus agalactiaewith the aid of an MBP tag and insights into membrane-surface attachment
Authors: Li Yajuan , Zeng Weihong , Li Yuelong , Fan Weirong , Ma Huan , Fan Xiaojiao , Jiang Jiansheng , Brefo-Mensah Eric , Zhang Yuzhu , Yang Meixiang , Dong Zhongjun , Palmer Michael , Jin Tengchuan
Published: July 2019

CAMP factor is a unique α-helical bacterial toxin that is known for its co-hemolytic activity in combination with staphylococcal sphingomyelinase. It was first discovered in the human pathogenStreptococcus agalactiae(also known as group B streptococcus), but homologous genes have been found in many other Gram-positive pathogens. In this study, the efforts that led to the determination of the first structure of a CAMP-family toxin are reported. Initially, it was possible to produce crystals of the native protein which diffracted to near 2.45 Å resolution. However, a series of technical obstacles were encountered on the way to structure determination. Over a period of more than five years, many methods, including selenomethionine labeling, mutations, crystallization chaperones and heavy-atom soaking, were attempted, but these attempts resulted in limited progress. The structure was finally solved using a combination of iodine soaking and molecular replacement using the crystallization chaperone maltose-binding protein (MBP) as a search model. Analysis of native and MBP-tagged CAMP-factor structures identified a conserved interaction interface in the C-terminal domain (CTD). The positively charged surface may be critical for binding to acidic ligands. Furthermore, mutations on the interaction interface at the CTD completely abolished its co-hemolytic activities. This study provides novel insights into the mechanism of the membrane-permeabilizing activity of CAMP factor.
Recruiting international postgraduate researchers
Authors: Scott Jennifer
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the efficacy of the strategies that new, regional universities use for recruiting international postgraduate research students (IPRSs).

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory, qualitative cross-case study analysis was used to address a problem and associated gap in the literature, identified from a review of academic literature and government statistics. Case studies comprised multiple data sources, including interviews and questionnaires with 66 employee and student respondents and document reviews.

Findings

A disparity between the views of students and employees regarding effective recruitment strategies was apparent. This led to divergence between the needs of prospective students and institutional strategies used during recruitment. Findings include suggestions to improve such strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a basis for future research on higher education recruitment for new and regional universities and for IPRSs. As the research focused on two Australian universities, knowledge obtained should be explored further.

Practical implications

Results suggest students considering overseas postgraduate research study prioritize information, readily available online, about the university’s research focus and capacity, the features of surrounding communities and the regional impact of the research. Results also suggest that focusing on developing institution-to-institution and researcher-to-researcher relationships provides a mechanism by which the institution can enhance its international reputation to attract more students.

Originality/value

Limited research focuses specifically on recruitment of IPRSs. The results can support new, regional universities to review and modify their strategies for benefit to students and universities.
Numerical investigationof clocking effect of impellerson a multistage pump
Authors: Tan Minggao , Lian Yichao , Wu Xianfang , Liu Houlin
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the clocking effect of impellers and the superposition between pump stages caused by clocking effect in a five-stage centrifugal pump. Then the best clocking scheme in terms of vibration is tried to be provided as well.

Design/methodology/approach

All curves of pressure fluctuation in different impeller stages can be divided into two groups for the difference of 1/16 T in time domain. The difference is mostly in vibration frequency and amplitude, little in pump head and efficiency.

Findings

All curves of pressure fluctuation in different impeller stages can be divided into two groups for the difference of 1/16 T in time domain. The difference is mostly in vibration frequency and amplitude, little in pump head and efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

This research involves eight different impeller clocking schemes. The results show that the clocking effect has little influence in pump head and efficiency, but the influence in pressure fluctuation is larger.

Practical implications

The paper provides guidance for the design of multistage pump for better vibration performance.

Originality/value

This research involves eight different impeller clocking schemes, the results show that the clocking effect has little influence in pump head and efficiency, but the influence in pressure fluctuation is larger. Then the best clocking scheme In terms of vibration is tried to be provided through analysis.
Critical success factors for implementing integrated construction project delivery
Authors: Whang Seoung-Wook , Park Kenneth Sungho , Kim Sangyong
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) to implement integrated project delivery (IPD) systems in the Korean construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study categorized potential CSFs and analyzed them using factor analysis and multiple regression analysis to choose the best ones based on responses from Korean construction experts.

Findings

In total, 29 potential factors were selected and categorized into 7 CSFs using factor analysis.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the study are useful as a reference for applying the IPD system in different developing countries and mid-sized construction industries.
Importance of convective heat transfer in flow of non-Newtonian nanofluid featuring Brownian and thermophoretic diffusions
Authors: Khan Waqar Azeem , Ali Mehboob , Waqas Muhammad , Shahzad M. , Sultan F. , Irfan M.
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to address the flow of Sisko nanofluid by an unsteady curved surface. Non-uniform heat source/sink is considered for heat transfer analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical solutions are constructed using bvp4c procedure.

Findings

Pressure profile inside boundary region is increased when A and K are enhanced.

Originality/value

No such analysis is yet presented.
Simulation study on the effect of underwear on thermal reaction of human body based on heat and mass transfer theory
Authors: Cheng Pengpeng , Chen Daoling
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of underwear on the microenvironment of human clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the basic laws of energy and mass conservation, the paper combined the theory of heat and mass transfer to establish the simulation of the influence of underwear on human thermal reaction in microclimate and prediction model of human thermal reaction law.

Findings

The impact on the microenvironment affected by tighter underwear is less than the effect of loose underwear and computational flow dynamics (CFD) can accurately predict the thermal reaction parameters’ values of the human body.

Originality/value

It can be effectively used for the prediction of heat exchange between human body and environment in high-temperature environment and human thermophysiological parameters, and overcomes the individual differences of human experiments and the danger and repeatability of high-temperature environmental experiments.
Computational analysis of span-wise hole locations on fluid flow and film cooling of internal channels with crescent ribs
Authors: Zhang Guohua , Liu Xueting , Sundén Bengt Ake , Xie Gongnan
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This study aims to clarify the mechanism of film hole location at the span-wise direction of an internal cooling channel with crescent ribs on the adiabatic film cooling performance, three configurations are designed to observe the effects of the distance between the center of the ellipse and the side wall(Case 1, l = w/2, Case 2, l = w/3 and for Case 3, l = w/4).

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulations are conducted under two blowing ratios (i.e. 0.5 and 1) and a fixed cross-flow Reynolds number (Rec = 100,000) with a verified turbulence model.

Findings

It is shown that at low blowing ratio, reducing the distance increases the film cooling effectiveness but keeps the trend of the effectiveness unchanged, while at high blowing ratio, the characteristic is a little bit different in the range of 0 = x/D = 10.

Research limitations/implications

These features could be explained by the fact that shrinking the distance between the hole and side wall induces a much smaller reserved region and vortex downstream the ribs and a lower resistance for cooling air entering the film hole. Furthermore, the spiral flow inside the hole is impaired.

Originality/value

As a result, the kidney-shaped vortices originating from the jet flow are weakened, and the target surface can be well covered, resulting in an enhancement of the adiabatic film cooling performance.
A cost trajectory to environmentally adaptive building construction in wet humid settings
Authors: Amadi Alolote , Higham Anthony Paul
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the ongoing discourse centred on enhancing building performance to provide an interpretation of life cycle cost (LCC) analysis, directly applicable to building construction in coastal areas located in tropical wet–humid settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 50 buildings based on physical observation is carried out to identify typical failure patterns in wet‒humid environment. Further, a comparative initial construction cost and LCC analysis is computed for two alternative building schemes with identical floor plans: Scheme A using sound construction and detailing to guard against future maintenance problems and Scheme B adopting the typical designs evident in the study area.

Findings

The result of the analysis shows that in the long-run scheme, A is an economically more viable option than B, as the increased initial costs are entirely offset by the reduced running cost.

Research limitations/implications

The contextual nature of LCC analysis poses difficulties in applying the evidence provided in this study to provide a generalisable financial justification to buildings clients.

Practical implications

The outcome of the study provides analytical validation to overcome resistances and enables informed decision making by clients, which is necessary to promote transition from conventional to environmentally responsive design choices suitable to wet–humid conditions.

Originality/value

The study provides an interpretation of LCC analysis, directly applicable to building construction in the tropical wet–humid setting of coastal areas against the backdrop of inconsistencies in the practical application of the theory of LCC.
Understanding employee longevity in independent fine dining restaurants
Authors: DiPietro Robin , Martin Drew , Pratt Thomas
Published: July 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate talent management (TM) practices of independent fine dining restaurant (FDR) organizations and explores why employee retention rates in FDRs are higher than other restaurants. This research adds to the TM literature by surfacing attitudes and influences that lead to employee retention.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study collects data using McCracken’s (1988) long interview method to provide insights into value similarities and differences between employees and independent restaurant managers. Fourteen interviews at two independent FDRs inform the results. This study employs a grounded theory approach.

Findings

Study results show that people take pride in working for the restaurants and the culture within the restaurant inspires a higher level of self-esteem. This independent, family-owned environment helps employees and managers achieve higher work performance and satisfy overall lifestyle needs. Respondents report their employment helps them to do things that bring out the best in them and allows them to accomplish other things that they want in life. The study also suggests that a shared value system between employees and managers creates a more stable workforce and longer tenure.

Research limitations/implications

The current study examines only two independent family-owned FDRs, so generalization is limited. The current study uses grounded theory to expand on research in the TM literature.

Practical implications

If owners and managers of FDR focus on addressing employees’ higher-order motivational needs, they have a better chance of retaining employees. Losing productive employees has high direct and indirect costs, and the restaurant industry is plagued with high turnover. Independent restaurants also need to evaluate their new employee orientations because unstructured training contributes to an environment of uncertainty. Developing a positive culture in an FDR is possible with a focused, family-oriented business. This work culture takes time to develop. Recruiting and selection methods to ensure a fit with the culture and values are a cost-effective method to ensure the continuation of this culture. The consistent values between employees and managers in this study demonstrate that hiring for personal values and not necessarily for skills already developed helps with positive TM in FDR.

Originality/value

The current study extends the knowledge in TM, ecological systems theory and motivational needs-based theory through detailed interviews and value analyses. Long interviews and triangulation of the data surface conscious and nonconscious memories from both employees and managers specifically relating to employee retention factors in FDR.
Social networks and their effects on the choice of contraceptive use and method in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Shahidul
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of social networks on contraceptive adoption in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 430 couples; the age of men was between 15 and 49 years. χ2 test was applied to test the association between independent variables and current contraceptive use. Binary logistic regression was applied to examine the effects of social network on contraceptive use, and multinomial logistic regression was applied to examine the effect of social network on the choice of method.

Findings

Results from binary logistic regression reveal that social networks of both men (OR=2.71, 95% CI=1.371−5.354) and women (OR= 3.597, 95% CI=1.754−7.380) had a strong positive effect on current contraceptive use. The result from multinomial logistic regression also shows that men’s social network (OR= 2.74, 95% CI= 1.356−5.548) and women’s social network (OR=4.165,95% CI=1.958−8.860) were also associated with choosing a modern contraceptive method.

Originality/value

Social networks have a significant effect on current contraceptive use and modern method choice in Bangladesh. A social network approach should be included in family planning program in Bangladesh.
Servant leaders, ethical followers? The effect of servant leadership on employee deviance
Authors: Paesen Heidi , Wouters Kristel , Maesschalck Jeroen
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Leadership is considered to be a crucial situational factor in predicting and explaining employee deviance. The purpose of this paper therefore is to investigate the relationship between servant leadership on the one hand and employee deviance on the other. While previous studies on the impact of servant leadership on employee deviance typically aggregated all its dimensions into a single scale, this study also explores the impact of the various dimensions of servant leadership separately.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online survey in two ministries of the Belgian Federal Government (n=3,445). The analyses were conducted using confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear and negative binomial regression analysis.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that the generic servant leadership scale has the expected negative, protective effect on both self-reported and observer-reported employee deviance. As for the dimensions, the authors found that only the “putting subordinates first” dimension had a significant negative, protective effect on both self-reported and observer-reported employee deviance. The dimensions “behaving ethically” and “emotional healing” negatively impacted only observer-reported employee deviance and the dimension “creating value for society” negatively impacted only self-reported employee deviance. Surprisingly, the dimension “empowering” had a significant positive, strengthening effect on both self-reported and observer-reported employee deviance.

Originality/value

While most research assesses servant leadership’s impact on desirable behaviour, this study is about its impact on employee deviance. Also unlike most previous research, this study looks not only at the overall effect of servant leadership, but also at the impact of the various dimensions of servant leadership separately.
Leadership and governance frameworks driving transformational change in an entrepreneurial UK university
Authors: Purcell Wendy Maria , Chahine Teresa
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Disruptive megatrends, such as technology and globalization, are driving transformational change in universities as they seek to differentiate themselves given economic and social market forces. However, higher education (HE) institutions can struggle to achieve change at the scale and speed needed, given their pluralistic nature and competing goals. As primarily collegiate organizations run by academics, leadership and governance are by persuasion and consensus over diktat. A retrospective analysis of the transformational journey of a UK university that set its radical new mission to become “the Enterprise University” has been undertaken, and a new leadership and governance framework articulated. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a conceptual framework of leadership and governance to codify change management and its acceleration, the change journey in a university undergoing a strategic transformation has been analyzed. Leadership and organizational frameworks are examined focusing on the interactions between the senior management hierarchy (SMH), as the command-control operating system, and the adaptive community of social networks within the university and external stakeholders. The critical steps in effecting institutional change and the nature of the social agreements underpinning transformation are subject to retrospective analysis. How ideas flowed through the organization to create value through innovation is reviewed.

Findings

Analyses reveal how the SMH worked with the adaptive social networks of staff and stakeholders in concert around a shared purpose, identifying enablers and barriers to a healthy idea flow. Drawing on the leadership and governance framework empowers organizational transformation, paying more deliberate attention to the stewardship of ideas and how change actually happens. To thrive in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environments and sustain competitive advantage in a dynamic global market place, leaders need to be able to harness the social forces and inspire people to take actions around a shared vision of the future.

Originality/value

Universities represent a traditional community of knowledge workers and service professionals where approaches to leadership and governance are typically collegiate and consensual. Examining the strategic transformation of a university seeking to move at pace to accommodate the global disruption of the HE sector is relevant to how change happens in related environments. Given the growth of the knowledge economy, represented as organizations and networks, key lessons are available. The importance of activating people around shared purpose through deliberate engagement by leaders with social networks is relevant to delivering transformation in conditions of super complexity.
Perceptions and reasons for legume consumption in Mexico
Authors: Monge Adriana , Macias Lorena , Campos Hannia , Lajous Martin , Mattei Josiemer
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Legume consumption has decreased in Mexico as part of a global nutrition transition that has shifted the intake of healthy traditional foods to more processed unhealthy foods. This study aims to assess preferences and patterns of legumes consumption, attitudes toward legumes and reasons to consume legumes among adults in Mexico City.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 86 adult participants living in the Mexico City region completed interviewer–administered surveys.

Findings

The participants had an average age of 42.9 years (SD 13.5) and 51.2 per cent were women. Most reported consuming legumes = 1/week (59.5 per cent) and =1/3 cup/meal (52.4 per cent) and using corn tortillas to accompany legumes (83.3 per cent). Participants reported consuming 7 out of 15 types of legumes probed, of which black beans (96 per cent), lentils (79 per cent) and garbanzo beans (64 per cent) were more frequently consumed. Participants had positive (vs negative) perceptions about legumes’ taste (96 per cent), nutritional value (88 per cent), tradition (80 per cent), cost (75 per cent), availability (75 per cent) and health effect (73 per cent), but not for their digestive effect (37 per cent). The main reasons for participants to currently consume legumes were their taste (93 per cent), nutritional value (49 per cent) and affordable cost (48 per cent); whereas main reasons for potentially consuming more legumes were their nutritional value (63 per cent) and health effect (64 per cent).

Practical implications

Legume intake in Mexico is lower than the recommended 1.5-2 servings per day (1 serving = 1/2 cup), despite favorable perceptions and reasons to consume them. The identified characteristics, attitudes and reasons for consuming legumes could inform interventions to increase intake of this traditional food in Mexico.

Originality/value

Studies on attitude and reasons for food consumption are seldom conducted, yet they are valuable in shaping tailored strategies for eating behavior change.
Comparing global and situational support for police use of force across immigrant generations and native-born Americans
Authors: Choi Jaeyong
Published: July 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine if global and situational support for police use of force vary across first-generation immigrants, second-generation immigrants and native-born Americans.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on data from the 2012 General Social Survey, multivariate logistic regression models are performed to predict each of the three binary outcome variables (e.g. support for police use of reasonable force or excessive force) depending on immigrant generation status.

Findings

Results indicate that, compared with native-born individuals, first-generation immigrants express less global support for police use of force and less support for police use of reasonable force. In contrast, the first-generation group is more supportive of police use of excessive force compared to the second-generation group and native-born group.

Originality/value

Much research on immigrants’ perceptions of the police has yielded conflicting findings. Part of the reason has been attributed to failure to distinguish first-generation immigrants from successive generations of immigrants. The present study fills a gap in this line of research by assessing the extent to which there is a disparity in support for police use of force between different generations of immigrants and native-born individuals.
Do bank independency and diversification affect bank failures in Europe?
Authors: Mili Mehdi , Khayati Anis , Khouaja Amira
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Motivated by agency theory, this paper aims to explore the impact of bank diversification and bank independency on the likelihood of bank failure. The effects of corporate governance (ownership and board structures) are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regressions are used to explore the role of corporate governance on bank failure risk. This sample covers 608 banks from eight European countries.

Findings

The results suggest that the well-documented finding that diversification and bank independency may increase bank failure risk does not persist under strong corporate governance mechanism. Thus, to reduce the bank failure risk, diversification should be strongly monitored by the management to avoid excessive risk-taking by shareholders.

Originality/value

The approach used in this study differs from that used in previous studies from certain perspectives. First, unlike most previous studies that focused on the relationship between bank performance and bank diversification, the impact of income and asset diversification on bank failure is tested. Also, the impact of a combined effect of diversification and corporate governance variables on bank failure is tested. This allows the control for different ownership and board variables as factors that would potentially affect the likelihood of bank failure.
Extraction Conditions Affect the Immunoreactivity of Peanut Allergens
Authors: Sharma Girdhari M. , Chatim Ajay , Ferguson Martine , Williams Kristina M.
Published: July 2019

Peanut allergic consumers rely on food package labels to avoid foods containing peanut. The inadvertent presence of peanut in foods due to cross‐contact can be fatal if ingestion of such food leads to an allergic reaction. Analytical methods are available to detect undeclared peanut in foods. However, depending on the type of food matrix and food processing parameters, method performance can be adversely affected due to reduction in the extraction efficiency of peanut proteins. Temperature and probe sonication were used as a preincubation treatment for peanut flour slurries to assess their effect on the total peanut protein solubility from raw, light‐roasted, and dark‐roasted peanut flours. The effect of these treatments on the immunoreactivity of peanut allergens (Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, and Ara h 6) was determined by an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using antibodies raised against these individual peanut proteins. Preincubation at 50 °C did not significantly improve the peanut protein solubility, whereas an increase in protein solubility was observed when light‐ and dark‐roasted peanut flour slurries were preincubated at 90 °C or sonicated. The immunoreactivity of peanut allergens varied depending on the degree of peanut flour roasting and type of preincubation treatment. Overall, the immunoreactivity of peanut allergens from most peanut flour slurries was unaffected when preincubated at 50 °C for up to 60 min or sonicated with a probe for up to 5 min, whereas preincubation at 90 °C resulted in a time‐dependent reduction in immunoreactivity of peanut allergens. Sonication treatment may improve peanut protein extraction without markedly affecting their immunoreactivity.

Practical Application

Extraction of peanut proteins is vital for developed analytical methods to estimate peanut allergens in foods. The manuscript describes the effect of two different temperatures (50 and 90 °C) and probe‐type sonication on peanut protein solubility. The findings suggest sonication can improve peanut protein solubility without markedly affecting their immunoreactivity
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Seed and its Potential Food Applications: A Review
Authors: Giwa Ibrahim Shafa'atu , Karim Roselina , Saari Nazamid , Wan Abdullah Wan Zunairah , Zawawi Norhasnida , Ab Razak Abdul Fattah , Hamim Nur Aqilah , Umar Rabi'u Aliyu
Published: July 2019

Kenaf belongs to the family Malvaceae noted for their economic and horticultural importance. Kenaf seed is a valuable component of kenaf plant. For several years, it has been primarily used as a cordage crop and secondarily as a livestock feed. The potential for using kenaf seeds as a source of food‐based products has not been fully exploited. Consumers are becoming more interested in naturally healthy plant‐based food products. Kenaf seed, the future crop with a rich source of essential nutrients and an excellent source of phytocompounds, might serve suitable roles in the production of value‐added plant‐based foods. At present kenaf seed and its value‐added components have not been effectively utilized for both their nutritional and functional properties as either ingredient or major constituent of food products. This review focuses on the possible food applications of kenaf seed and its value‐added components based on their nutritional composition and functional properties available in literature, with the purpose of providing an overview on the possible food applications of this underutilized seed. The review focuses on a brief introduction on kenaf plant, nutritional function, lipids and proteins composition and food applications of the seed. The review elaborately discusses the seed in terms of; bioactive components, antioxidants enrichment of wheat bread, antimicrobial agents, as edible flour, as edible oil and a source of protein in food system. The review closes with discussion on other possible food applications of kenaf seed. The need for food scientists and technologists to exploit this natural agricultural product as a value‐added food ingredient is of great significance and is emphasized.
Asset pricing and energy consumption risk
Authors: Lim Ashley , Lan Yihui , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: July 2019

This paper proposes energy consumption in the US as a new measure for the consumption capital asset pricing model. We find that (i) industrial energy growth produces reasonable values for the relative risk aversion coefficient and the implied risk‐free rate; (ii) compared to alternative consumption measures, industrial energy performs well in explaining the cross‐sectional variation in stock returns with the lowest implied risk aversion and pricing errors; (iii) the industrial energy consumption risk model performs equally well as the Fama–French three‐factor model in the cross‐sectional asset pricing tests; and (iv) total energy consumption risk is priced in the presence of the Fama–French factor risks.
Runs of homozygosity and signatures of selection: a comparison among eight local Swiss sheep breeds
Authors: Signer‐Hasler H. , Burren A. , Ammann P. , Drögemüller C. , Flury C.
Published: July 2019

A dataset consisting of 787 animals with high‐density SNP chip genotypes (346 774 SNPs) and 939 animals with medium‐density SNP chip genotypes (33 828 SNPs) from eight indigenous Swiss sheep breeds was analyzed to characterize population structure, quantify genomic inbreeding based on runs of homozygosity and identify selection signatures. In concordance with the recent known history of these breeds, the highest genetic diversity was observed in Engadine Red sheep and the lowest in Valais Blacknose sheep. Correlation between FPED and FROH was around 0.50 and thereby lower than that found in similar studies in cattle. Mean FROH estimates from medium‐density data and HD data were highly correlated (0.95). Signatures of selection and candidate gene analysis revealed that the most prominent signatures of selection were found in the proximity of genes associated with body size (NCAPG, LCORL, LAP3, SPP1, PLAG1, ALOX12, TP53), litter size (SPP1), milk production (ABCG2, SPP1), coat color (KIT, ASIP, TBX3) and horn status (RXFP2). For the Valais Blacknose sheep, the private signatures in proximity of genes/QTL influencing body size, coat color and fatty acid composition were confirmed based on runs of homozygosity analysis. These private signatures underline the genetic uniqueness of the Valais Blacknose sheep breed. In conclusion, we identified differences in the genetic make‐up of Swiss sheep breeds, and we present relevant candidate genes responsible for breed differentiation in locally adapted breeds.
Clinical decision‐making for complex feeding decisions: A national survey of current approaches and perspectives
Authors: Schwarz Maria , Coccetti Anne , Cardell Elizabeth
Published: July 2019

Objectives

Decision‐making around dysphagia management is becoming increasingly challenging due to the complexity of contexts associated with an ageing population. The current study explores current decision‐making practices used by speech language therapists (SLTs) surrounding contexts related to palliative care, dementia, neuro‐degenerative diseases, guardianship/family decisions, and other issues relevant to ongoing care of individuals with dysphagia.

Methods

An exploratory prospective electronic survey of SLTs was conducted. A total of 202 respondents were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Only 55% of respondents reported their workplace had a standard approach to documentation. Only 19% reported their service had a defined policy to support decision‐making, with only 28% reporting the existence of patient information brochures.

Conclusion

Limited formal guidance or practice standards exist in the setting of complex dysphagia management, which limits the consistency of practice and clinical efficiency. This insight into current practices and perspectives supports the development of clinical guidelines.
Comparison of group O Rh(D)− red blood cell use in pregnant women across hospitals of various sizes and obstetric capabilities prior to the introduction of patient blood management guidelines
Authors: Patterson Jillian A. , Hirani Rena , Irving David O. , Nicholl Michael C. , Ford Jane B. ,   For the Obstetric Transfusion Steering Committee
Published: July 2019

Background

O Rh(D)− red blood cell (RBC) units can generally be transfused to most patients regardless of their ABO blood type and are frequently used during emergency situations. Detailed usage patterns of O Rh(D)− RBC units in obstetric populations have not been well characterised. With the introduction of patient blood management guidelines, historical usage patterns are important for providing comparative data.

Aims

To determine how the use of O Rh(D)− RBC units in pregnant women differs between hospitals of different sizes and obstetric capabilities prior to patient blood management guidelines.

Methods

Data from 67 New South Wales public hospital blood banks were linked with hospital and perinatal databases to identify RBC transfusions during pregnancy, birth and postnatally between July 2006 and December 2010. RBC transfusions were divided into O Rh(D)− or other blood types. Hospitals were classified according to birth volume, obstetric capability and location, with transfusions classified by timing and diagnosis.

Results

Of the 12 078 RBC units transfused into pregnant women, 1062 (8.8%) were O Rh(D)−. Higher use of O Rh(D)− RBC units was seen in antenatal transfusions, preterm deliveries and in regional or smaller hospitals. There was wide variation in rates of O Rh(D)− RBC transfusion among hospitals.

Conclusions

The rate of O Rh(D)− RBC unit use in obstetrics was lower during the period assessed than the nationally reported usage. It is encouraging that O Rh(D)− RBCs were more commonly used in emergency or specialised situations, or in facilities where holding a large blood inventory is not feasible.
The surprising politics of anti‐immigrant prejudice: How political conservatism moderates the effect of immigrant race and religion on infrahumanization judgements
Authors: Banton Olivia , West Keon , Kinney Ellie
Published: July 2019

Attitudes towards immigrants in the United Kingdom are worsening. It has been posited that these attitudes may reflect covert racial and religious prejudices, particularly among conservatives. To investigate this, two studies examined the role that immigrant race (Black/White; Study 1) and immigrant religion (Muslim/non‐Muslim; Study 2) played in immigrant infrahumanization judgements, using political conservatism as a moderating variable. There was a moderating effect of political conservatism; however, it was not in the predicted direction. The results of both studies indicated that immigrant race (Black) and immigrant religion (Muslim) predicted greater infrahumanization when political conservatism was low. Conservatives infrahumanized all immigrants equally (and more than liberals), but liberals were more sensitive to racial/religious biases in their evaluations of immigrants.
Near disappearance of the Angelshark Squatina squatina over half a century of observations
Authors: Hiddink Jan G , Shepperson Jennifer , Bater Robin , Goonesekera Dilhani , Dulvy Nicholas K.
Published: July 2019

Marine extinctions are particularly difficult to detect and almost all have been discovered after the fact. Retrospective analyses are essential to avoid concluding no‐extinction when one has occurred. We reconstruct the Angelshark population trajectory in a former hotspot (Wales), using interviews and opportunistic records. After correcting for observation effort and recall bias, we estimate a 70% (1.5%/year) decline in abundance over 46 years. While formerly widespread, Angelshark distribution contracted to a central core of Cardigan Bay. Angelshark declined almost unnoticed in one of the best‐monitored and most intensively managed seas in the world. Bycatch may be minimized by limiting netting on shingle reefs in Cardigan Bay. We provide the first quantitative time series to reveal the timing and trajectory of decline of Angelshark in the coastal waters of Wales and uncover historical centers of abundance and remnant populations that provide the first opportunity for the focus of conservation.
Effectiveness and safety of two different antithymocyte globulins used in induction therapy in kidney transplant recipients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Styrc Beata , Sobolewski Michał , Chudek Jerzy , Kolonko Aureliusz , Więcek Andrzej
Published: July 2019

Background

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is widely used as an induction therapy after kidney transplantation. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of induction therapy between two ATG formulations, Grafalon (Fresenius®) and Thymoglobulin (Sanofi®), in kidney transplant patients.

Methods

This study included 140 consecutive kidney transplant recipients, 71 treated with Grafalon and 69 treated with Thymoglobulin, in the period between February 2010 and January 2018. To optimize therapy costs, considering the periodically limited drug availability and the substantial drug waste in the case of Grafalon, Thymoglobulin induction was introduced into the immunosuppressive protocol.

Results

The ATG total dose in mg/kg of body mass [median: 5.3 (3.7‐7.1) vs 8.6 (4.3‐17.3); P < .001] was significantly lower in the Thymoglobulin subgroup. There were 7 (5%) graft losses and 15 (10.7%) deaths during the first 12 months, with 66.7% of deaths due to infection complications. Patients treated with Thymoglobulin were characterized by a lower absolute lymphocyte count at day 7 and during the 12 months of follow‐up, compared with the Grafalon group [236 (205‐267) vs 483 (372‐594), respectively; P < .001]. Logistic regression analysis showed that a lymphocyte count < 200/µL at day 7 (OR = 10.5; 95%CI, 1.6‐69.0; P = .01) and age >50 years (OR = 14.6; 95%CI, 1.4‐155.0; P = .03), but not type of ATG, independently increased the risk of death due to infection. The 12‐month acute rejection rate was higher in the Grafalon group (25.3% vs 10.1%, P = .02).

Conclusion

Treatment with Thymoglobulin in kidney transplant recipients resulted in more pronounced lymphopenia and a lower 12‐month rate of acute rejection.
The Bioequivalence and Effect of Food on the Pharmacokinetics of a Fixed‐Dose Combination Tablet Containing Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe in Healthy Japanese Subjects
Authors: Nishida Chisato , Matsumoto Yuki , Fujimoto Katsukuni , Shirakawa Masayoshi , Wrishko Rebecca Ellen , Behm Martin Otto , Furihata Kenichi
Published: July 2019

Certain patient populations are unable to achieve the recommended low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol goals with statin monotherapy alone. Such patients may benefit from concomitant therapy with ezetimibe (EZE) 10 mg added on to a statin. To this end, fixed‐dose combination (FDC) tablets containing EZE 10 mg and rosuvastatin (ROS) 2.5 mg (EZE/ROS2.5) and EZE 10 mg and ROS 5 mg (EZE/ROS5) have been developed for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The purpose of the series of clinical studies reported herein was to evaluate the potential food effect (MK‐0653H, protocol 836 (P836)) and the bioequivalence between FDC and co‐administration of EZE and ROS in healthy Japanese subjects under fasted and fed conditions (MK‐0653H, protocol 835 (P835) and MK‐0653H, protocol 846 (P846), respectively). These studies show there is no clinically relevant food effect on EZE exposure following single oral administration of the FDC EZE/ROS5 in healthy Japanese subjects; however, ROS exposure was decreased in the fed state under conditions used to evaluate the maximum food effect. Following single oral administration of individual ROS tablets under the same conditions, the magnitude of decrease in ROS exposure was comparable to that seen with FDC, suggesting that the effect of food on ROS exposure was similar between the FDC tablet and co‐administration of individual EZE and ROS tablets. The FDC EZE/ROS5 was generally well tolerated in healthy Japanese subjects under fasted and fed conditions.
Systemic sclerosis – the dermatological perspective
Authors: Sticherling Michael
Published: July 2019

Systemic scleroderma/systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an inflammatory connective tissue disease clinically characterized by two major subtypes: limited and diffuse SSc. While both conditions present with Raynaud's phenomenon (paroxysmal digital ischemia), diffuse SSc is associated with rapid disease progression and early – prognostically relevant – involvement of internal organs. Treatment is challenging. In addition to general lifestyle modifications, measures include treatments aimed at improving circulation as well as immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory drugs. However, these agents are effective only in terms of slowing disease progression.