bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Human Resource Planning: Responding to Changes Dynamic Business Environment and Effective to Achieve Competitive Advantage
Authors: Normi Siti
Published: March 2017

This article discusses human resource planning issues as strategy to response dynamic and competitive business environment changes to gain sustainable competitive advantage. Also this article discusses how the stages and human resource planning process in short term, intermediate term and long term, and discusses about how long the linkage between humen resource and strategic business planning are administrative linkage, one-way linkage, two-way linkage, and integrative linkage. The last section in this article discusses the importance gaining competitive advantage sources and human resource concentration related with business issues as the action to integrate human resource fuction in the strategic business.
Dewey's Progressive Historicism and the Problem of Determinate Oughts
Authors: Laitinen Arto
Published: March 2017

This article argues that Dewey has a “progressive historicist” theory of ethics and social philosophy. That theory is here explicated with the notion of an “evaluative framework,” which can be embodied both implicitly in practice and in explicit theories and judgments. Such historicism, in which each stage has overcome the deficiencies of the previous stage, has ample resources to avoid unconstrained relativism, in terms of three aspects: the “dynamic,” the “dialogic,” and the “historical.” The article poses, however, a challenge for such “progressive historicisms”: while there are determinate oughts within each stage of history before the inadequacies of that stage have come to the fore, it is indeterminate what one ought to do during the intermediate phases once such inadequacies have come to one's knowledge and before a new solution has been generally socially accepted and habitualized. The last subsection briefly outlines various responses historicism might give.
Computer Graphics Skills Required for Effective Entrepreneurial Development
Authors: N. E. Ibezim, , E. C. Ireh,
Published: March 2017

This study identified lucrative business ideas in the use of computer graphics skills that could boost entrepreneurial development. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Five specific purposes and five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population for the study was eight graphics design/printing press firms comprising of 1,024 graphics design/printing press personnel in Nsukka metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria. A Structured questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection and data collected were analyzed using mean. Major findings of the study showed that ability to think creatively and create a vision or imagery off heart, ability to utilize the hardware and software rights of graphics designing jobs, ability to use the function/impact of design and the role of the design profession appropriately in our society, ability to organize files in terms of formats/size for easy use, ability to use computer software to execute designs, meeting with clients and adjusting designs to fit their needs or taste, and using the various print and layout techniques were among the artistic, technical, communication, organizational and problem solving skills required in computer graphics for effective entrepreneurial development. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that the curriculum of institutions of higher learning in computer graphics should be reviewed to incorporate present needs of the society. The government should also ensure that adequate funds are allocated to procure necessary facilities that will facilitate teaching and learning of computer graphics in schools.
Składanie tygodników. Projekty graficzne Janusza M. Brzeskiego dla koncernu „Ilustrowanego Kuryera Codziennego”
Authors: Harasimowicz Julia
Published: March 2017

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Protection of cultural identity designs – a universal necessityShould a cultural intellectual property right be constitutionally recognized?
Authors: Boța Moisin Monica Florina
Published: March 2017

Protection of cultural identity designs is a necessity in today’s society and should be the subject of a joint European cultural policy. Constantly present not only in the fashion industry but all creative industries, designs inspired by tradition are and cannot be regarded as “just a trend”. Creative design is fundamentally different than tradition inspired design, as the latter is strictly connected with the interpretation of the values, traditions and creative mantras of the generating communities.In view of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions autochthonous elements of identity design fall in the category of cultural goods. The discussion is placed in the field of public international law and calls for the development of cultural intellectual property, as an individual branch of law, within the national legal system. The main question of this paper is whether a cultural intellectual property right should be granted constitutional recognition. This paper further proposes the design and implementation of a protection system dedicated to safeguarding and promoting autochthonous elements of design through mechanisms that ensure authenticity, encourage creativity and innovation with respect of cultural identity, and positive exploitation of traditional knowledge. This core of this discussion stems from a project pilot initiated in Romania, supporting the development of a dedicated legal protection mechanism for IA – the Romanian Blouse, a Romanian element of ancestral fashion that has recurrently inspired fashion designers worldwide, and the cultural movement La Blouse Roumaine, that led to the recognition of a universal celebration of the Romanian Blouse on June 24th – The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse.
Chlamydia trachomatis-containing vacuole serves as deubiquitination platform to stabilize Mcl-1 and to interfere with host defense
Authors: Fischer Annette , Harrison Kelly S , Ramirez Yesid , Auer Daniela , Chowdhury Suvagata Roy , Prusty Bhupesh K , Sauer Florian , Dimond Zoe , Kisker Caroline , Hefty P Scott , Rudel Thomas
Published: March 2017

Obligate intracellular Chlamydia trachomatis replicate in a membrane-bound vacuole called inclusion, which serves as a signaling interface with the host cell. Here, we show that the chlamydial deubiquitinating enzyme (Cdu) 1 localizes in the inclusion membrane and faces the cytosol with the active deubiquitinating enzyme domain. The structure of this domain revealed high similarity to mammalian deubiquitinases with a unique α-helix close to the substrate-binding pocket. We identified the apoptosis regulator Mcl-1 as a target that interacts with Cdu1 and is stabilized by deubiquitination at the chlamydial inclusion. A chlamydial transposon insertion mutant in the Cdu1-encoding gene exhibited increased Mcl-1 and inclusion ubiquitination and reduced Mcl-1 stabilization. Additionally, inactivation of Cdu1 led to increased sensitivity of C. trachomatis for IFNγ and impaired infection in mice. Thus, the chlamydial inclusion serves as an enriched site for a deubiquitinating activity exerting a function in selective stabilization of host proteins and protection from host defense.
A mutant with bilateral whisker to barrel inputs unveils somatosensory mapping rules in the cerebral cortex
Authors: Renier Nicolas , Dominici Chloé , Erzurumlu Reha S , Kratochwil Claudius F , Rijli Filippo M , Gaspar Patricia , Chédotal Alain
Published: March 2017

In mammals, tactile information is mapped topographically onto the contralateral side of the brain in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). In this study, we describe Robo3 mouse mutants in which a sizeable fraction of the trigemino-thalamic inputs project ipsilaterally rather than contralaterally. The resulting mixture of crossed and uncrossed sensory inputs creates bilateral whisker maps in the thalamus and cortex. Surprisingly, these maps are segregated resulting in duplication of whisker representations and doubling of the number of barrels without changes in the size of S1. Sensory deprivation shows competitive interactions between the ipsi/contralateral whisker maps. This study reveals that the somatosensory system can form a somatotopic map to integrate bilateral sensory inputs, but organizes the maps in a different way from that in the visual or auditory systems. Therefore, while molecular pre-patterning constrains their orientation and position, preservation of the continuity of inputs defines the layout of the somatosensory maps.
Transcranial electric stimulation seen from within the brain
Authors: Peterchev Angel V
Published: March 2017

Computer models can make transcranial electric stimulation a better tool for research and therapy.
Molecular barcoding confirms the presence of exotic Asian seaweeds (Pachymeniopsis gargiuliandGrateloupia turuturu) in the Cantabrian Sea, Bay of Biscay
Authors: Montes Marcos , Rico Jose M. , García-Vazquez Eva , Borrell Pichs Yaisel J.
Published: March 2017

Background

The introduction of exotic species can have serious consequences for marine ecosystems. On the shores of the Cantabrian Sea (North of Spain) there are no routine examinations of seaweeds that combine molecular and morphological methods for early detection of exotic species making it difficult to assess in the early stages their establishment and expansion processes as a result of anthropogenic activities (e.g., shipping and/or aquaculture).

Methods

In this work we used both morphological identification and molecular barcoding (COI-5P andrbcL genes) of red algae collected in Asturias, Bay of Biscay (Gijón and Candás harbours) and from the University of Oviedo’s herbarium samples.

Results

The results confirmed the presence of exotic Asian seaweedsPachymeniopsis gargiuliandGrateloupia turuturuYamada on Cantabrian Sea shores. Several individuals of these species were fertile and developing cystocarps when collected, underlining the risk of possible expansion or continued establishment. This study constitutes the first report of the AsianP. gargiuliin this area of the Bay of Biscay.

Conclusions

Here the presence of the exotic species of the HalymenialesP. gargiuliis confirmed. We hypothesize that this species may have been established some time ago as a cryptic introduction withG. turuturuin Galician shores. The detection of these species on the shores of the Cantabrian Sea is relevant since introductions ofPachymeniopsisspecies could have been overlooked on other European coasts, probably mixed withG. turuturuandP. lanceolata. Our results confirm one new alien seaweed species that has been detected using molecular methods (COI-5P region andrbcL genes barcoding) on North Atlantic shores: the Asian nativeP. gargiuli. This demonstrates that routine screening for early detection of exotic algae in the Cantabrian Sea can be used for risk assessment. Genetic barcoding should be done using bothrbcL gene and COI-5P regions since, although COI-databases are still poorer in sequences and this inhibits successful outcomes inGrateloupia-related species identifications, it is nonetheless a useful marker for species-level identifications in seaweeds.
SLIMM: species level identification of microorganisms from metagenomes
Authors: Dadi Temesgen Hailemariam , Renard Bernhard Y. , Wieler Lothar H. , Semmler Torsten , Reinert Knut
Published: March 2017

Identification and quantification of microorganisms is a significant step in studying the alpha and beta diversities within and between microbial communities respectively. Both identification and quantification of a given microbial community can be carried out using whole genome shotgun sequences with less bias than when using 16S-rDNA sequences. However, shared regions of DNA among reference genomes and taxonomic units pose a significant challenge in assigning reads correctly to their true origins. The existing microbial community profiling tools commonly deal with this problem by either preparing signature-based unique references or assigning an ambiguous read to its least common ancestor in a taxonomic tree. The former method is limited to making use of the reads which can be mapped to the curated regions, while the latter suffer from the lack of uniquely mapped reads at lower (more specific) taxonomic ranks. Moreover, even if the tools exhibited good performance in calling the organisms present in a sample, there is still room for improvement in determining the correct relative abundance of the organisms. We present a new method Species Level Identification of Microorganisms from Metagenomes (SLIMM) which addresses the above issues by using coverage information of reference genomes to remove unlikely genomes from the analysis and subsequently gain more uniquely mapped reads to assign at lower ranks of a taxonomic tree. SLIMM is based on a few, seemingly easy steps which when combined create a tool that outperforms state-of-the-art tools in run-time and memory usage while being on par or better in computing quantitative and qualitative information at species-level.
Mortality in Joubert syndrome
Authors: Dempsey Jennifer C. , Phelps Ian G. , Bachmann‐Gagescu Ruxandra , Glass Ian A. , Tully Hannah M. , Doherty Dan
Published: March 2017

Joubert syndrome (JS) is a rare, recessively inherited neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a distinctive mid‐hindbrain malformation. Little is known about mortality in affected individuals. Identifying the timing and causes of death will allow for development of healthcare guidelines for families and providers and, thus, help to prolong and improve the lives of patients with JS. We evaluated information on 40 deceased individuals with JS to characterize age and cause of death. We compared this population with 525 living individuals with JS to estimate associations between risk of death and extra‐neurological features. Genetic causes were examined in both groups. Mean age of death in this cohort was 7.2 years, and the most prevalent causes of death were respiratory failure (35%), particularly in individuals younger than 6 years, and kidney failure (37.5%), which was more common in older individuals. We identified possible associations between risk of death and kidney disease, liver fibrosis, polydactyly, occipital encephalocele, and genetic cause. This work highlights factors (genetic cause, extra‐neurological organ involvement, and other malformations) likely to be associated with higher risk of mortality in JS, which should prompt increased monitoring for respiratory issues, kidney disease, and liver fibrosis.
Inherited germline ATRX mutation in two brothers with ATR‐X syndrome and osteosarcoma
Authors: Ji Jianling , Quindipan Catherine , Parham David , Shen Lishuang , Ruble David , Bootwalla Moiz , Maglinte Dennis T. , Gai Xiaowu , Saitta Sulagna C. , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Mascarenhas Leo
Published: March 2017

We report a family in which two brothers had an undiagnosed genetic disorder comprised of dysmorphic features, microcephaly, severe intellectual disability (non‐verbal), mild anemia, and cryptorchidism. Both developed osteosarcoma. Trio exome sequencing (using blood samples from the younger brother and both parents) was performed and a nonsense NM_000489.4:c.7156C>T (p.Arg2386*) mutation in the ATRX gene was identified in the proband (hemizygous) and in the mother's peripheral blood DNA (heterozygous). The mother is healthy, does not exhibit any clinical manifestations of ATR‐X syndrome and there was no family history of cancer. The same hemizygous pathogenic variant was confirmed in the affected older brother's skin tissue by subsequent Sanger sequencing. Chromosomal microarray studies of both brothers’ osteosarcomas revealed complex copy number alterations consistent with the clinical diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Recently, somatic mutations in the ATRX gene have been observed as recurrent alterations in both osteosarcoma and brain tumors. However, it is unclear if there is any association between osteosarcoma and germline ATRX mutations, specifically in patients with constitutional ATR‐X syndrome. This is the first report of osteosarcoma diagnosed in two males with ATR‐X syndrome, suggesting a potential increased risk for cancer in patients with this disorder.
ADH1B: From alcoholism, natural selection, and cancer to the human phenome
Authors: Polimanti Renato , Gelernter Joel
Published: March 2017

The ADH1B (Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1B (class I), Beta Polypeptide) gene and its best‐known functional alleles, Arg48His (rs1229984, ADH1B*2) and Arg370Cys (rs2066702, ADH1B*3), have been investigated in relation to many phenotypic traits; most frequently including alcohol metabolism and alcohol drinking behaviors, but also human evolution, liver function, cancer, and, recently, the comprehensive human phenome. To understand ADH1B functions and consequences, we provide here a bioinformatic analysis of its gene regulation and molecular functions, literature review of studies focused on this gene, and a discussion regarding future research perspectives. Certain ADH1B alleles have large effects on alcohol metabolism, and this relationship particularly encourages further investigations in relation to alcoholism and alcohol‐associated cancer to understand better the mechanisms by which alcohol metabolism contributes to alcohol abuse and carcinogenesis. We also observed that ADH1B has complex mechanisms that regulate its expression across multiple human tissues, and these may be involved in cardiac and metabolic traits. Evolutionary data strongly suggest that the selection signatures at the ADH1B locus are primarily related to effects other than those on alcohol metabolism. This is also supported by the involvement of ADH1B in multiple molecular pathways and by the findings of our recent phenome‐wide association study. Accordingly, future studies should also investigate other functions of ADH1B potentially relevant for the human phenome. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of SHANK3 in schizophrenia
Authors: de Sena Cortabitarte Ana , Degenhardt Franziska , Strohmaier Jana , Lang Maren , Weiss Birgit , Roeth Ralph , Giegling Ina , Heilmann‐Heimbach Stefanie , Hofmann Andrea , Rujescu Dan , Fischer Christine , Rietschel Marcella , Nöthen Markus M. , Rappold Gudrun A. , Berkel Simone
Published: March 2017

The postsynaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 is essential for the normal function of glutamatergic synapses in the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that impaired plasticity of glutamatergic synapses contributes to the pathology of schizophrenia (SCZ). To investigate whether variants in the SHANK3 gene contribute to the etiology of SCZ, we sequenced SHANK3 in 500 affected individuals (cohort C1). In total, we identified 48 variants and compared them to European controls from the 1000 Genomes Project and the Exome Variant Server. Five variants showed significant differences in frequencies between patients and controls. We were able to follow three of them up in an independent cohort (C2) comprising 993 SCZ patients and 932 German controls. We could not confirm an association for three of these variants (rs140201628, rs1557620, and rs61729471). Two rare variants with predicted functional relevance were identified in further SCZ individuals of cohort C1: c.3032G>T (p.G1011V) and c.*27C>T. The latter variant was found in one additional SCZ individual and the p.G1011V variant was identified in two additional SCZ individuals from cohort C2. The p.G1011V variant was the most interesting variant in our study; together with previous studies this variant has been identified in 4 out of 1,524 SCZ patients and in 4 out of 2,147 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not in 2468 European Sanger‐sequenced controls. Therefore, we consider this variant a promising candidate variant for follow‐up studies in larger samples and functional investigations. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Delayed autonomic neuropathy in a patient with diethylene glycol poisoning: a case report
Authors: Kamada Hiroki , Suzuki Hideaki , Yamamoto Saori , Nomura Ryosuke , Kushimoto Shigeki
Published: March 2017

Case

A 72‐year‐old man presented to our hospital after ingesting insecticide containing approximately 2 mL/kg diethylene glycol, which exceeded the lethal dose of 1 mL/kg. The patient recovered from critical symptoms on acute phase until day 3, but received artificial ventilation for muscle weakness secondary to sensorimotor neuropathy on days 11–54.

Outcome

Even after marked improvement from sensorimotor neuropathy, the patient continued to complain of orthostatic hypotension. Autonomic neuropathy was identified by positive result of a head‐up tilt test, and reduction in coefficient of variation of R‐R intervals and cardiac iodine‐123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake for the assessment of cardiac sympathetic activity. The patient's symptoms fully recovered 2 years after the exposure to diethylene glycol.

Conclusion

This case shows the first report of delayed autonomic neuropathy after recovery from severe sensorimotor neuropathy, and suggests the importance of continuous monitoring for late‐onset neurological complications.
Bedeutung der inhärenten Substratreaktivität bei enzymvermittelten Cyclisierungen/Umlagerungen von Carbokationen
Authors: Tantillo Dean J.
Published: March 2017

In diesem Kurzaufsatz wird die Bedeutung der inhärenten Substratreaktivität von Terpen‐Synthasen diskutiert. Der Fokus liegt auf neuen experimentellen Validierungen von Vorhersagen, die anhand von Berechnungen der Reaktivität von Carbokationen in der Gasphase getroffen wurden.
Characterization and Kinetics of Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate Crystallization in the Presence of Trimesic Acid
Authors: Polat S. , Sayan P.
Published: March 2017

In this study, calcium sulfate dihydrate crystallization was studied within a mixed‐suspension, mixed‐product‐removal‐type crystallizer at 65 °C and 2.5 pH in pure media and in the presence of trimesic acid. The experiments were performed at different trimesic acid concentrations (250, 1000, and 2500 p.p.m.) through the reaction of calcium carbonate solution with sulfuric acid solution. The crystal size distributions (CSDs) and filtration rates of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals were measured, and the crystals obtained were also analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis–coupled with Fourier transform infrared–mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. It was determined that the length/width ratio of the crystals obtained in the trimesic acid additive media decreased compared with the crystals obtained in the pure media. Both the filtration rate and the average particle size decreased with an increase in trimesic acid concentration. The kinetics of crystal growth of calcium sulfate dihydrate has been analyzed on the basis of McCabe's ΔL law. It has been found that the growth rate of crystals depends on the particle size, which was specified using Abegg, Stevens, and Larson, Canning and Randolph, two‐parameter Mydlarz and Jones, and three‐parameter Mydlarz and Jones size‐dependent growth models. Results indicated that three‐parameter Mydlarz and Jones model ideally fitted for the characterization of the system because it has high relative coefficient and low square deviation. The presence of trimesic acid also led to a decrease in the growth rate of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals. © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance and Economic Assessment of the Treatment of Phenol with TiO2 Photocatalysis, Photo‐Fenton, Biological Aerated Filter, and Wetland Reactors
Authors: Ortega-Méndez José Alejandro , Herrera-Melián José Alberto , Araña Javier , Espino-Estévez María Rocío , Doña-Rodríguez José Miguel
Published: March 2017

The performance and economic cost of the removal of phenol with TiO2 photocatalysis, photo‐Fenton reactions, biological aerated filter (BAF), and constructed wetland (CW) reactors has been studied. The BAF achieved complete removal with a maximum phenol concentration of 200 mg·L−1. The BAF‐CW combination provided a phenol‐free effluent with a maximum phenol concentration of 650 mg·L−1. In both cases, a complete detoxification of the treated water was achieved at the concentrations studied. The efficiency of TiO2 photocatalysis was limited to concentrations below 50 mg L−1 to minimize removal reduction and toxicity of the intermediates. Photo‐Fenton was more efficient, but also more expensive because of the high cost of H2O2. The photo‐Fenton‐BAF combination is proposed to be the most suitable one.
Substitute Composition of Naphtha Based on Density, SIMDIST, and PIONA for Modeling of Steam Cracking
Authors: Karaba Adam , Zámostný Petr , Bělohlav Zdeněk
Published: March 2017

Despite rigorous models of the steam cracking processes being available for simulation of naphtha cracking, the simulation is often carried out using limited characterization of such a feedstock due to unavailability of detailed composition at the time when the simulation is required. A method was developed for generation of substitute naphtha composition meeting specified properties. Sets of alternative compositions were generated, matching the density, distillation curve, and optionally PIONA of real naphtha feedstocks. Its cracking product yields were calculated using a validated cracking model. Simulated product yields were evaluated in terms of result variability and deviation from the experimental data, depending on the level of available feedstock characterization.
What Is Variable Bandwidth?
Authors: Gröchenig Karlheinz , Klotz Andreas
Published: March 2017

We propose a new notion of variable bandwidth that is based on the spectral subspaces of an elliptic operator where p > 0 is a strictly positive function. Denote by the orthogonal projection of Ap corresponding to the spectrum of Ap in ; the range of this projection is the space of functions of variable bandwidth with spectral set in Λ.

We will develop the basic theory of these function spaces. First, we derive (nonuniform) sampling theorems; second, we prove necessary density conditions in the style of Landau. Roughly, for a spectrum the main results say that, in a neighborhood of , a function of variable bandwidth behaves like a band‐limited function with local bandwidth .

Although the formulation of the results is deceptively similar to the corresponding results for classical band‐limited functions, the methods of proof are much more involved. On the one hand, we use the oscillation method from sampling theory and frame‐theoretic methods; on the other hand, we need the precise spectral theory of Sturm‐Liouville operators and the scattering theory of one‐dimensional Schrödinger operators. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanotextured titanium surfaces stimulate spreading, migration, and growth of rat mast cells
Authors: Marcatti Amarú Maximiano William , Marino Mazucato Vivian , Tambasco de Oliveira Paulo , Célia Jamur Maria , Oliver Constance
Published: March 2017

Titanium is a biomaterial widely used in dental and orthopedic implants. Since tissue–implant interactions occur at the nanoscale level, nanotextured titanium surfaces may affect cellular activity and modulate the tissue response that occurs at the tissue–implant interface. Therefore, the characterization of diverse cell types in response to titanium surfaces with nanotopography is important for the rational design of implants. Mast cells are multifunctional cells of the immune system that release a range of chemical mediators involved in the inflammatory response that occurs at the tissue–implant interface. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the nanotopography of titanium surfaces on the physiology of mast cells. The results show that the nanotopography of titanium surfaces promoted the spreading of mast cells, which was accompanied by the reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Also, the nanotopography of titanium surfaces enhanced cell migration and cell growth, but did not alter the number of adherent cells in first hours of culture or affect focal adhesions and mediator release. Thus, the results show that nanotopography of titanium surfaces can affect mast cell physiology, and represents an improved strategy for the rational production of surfaces that stimulate tissue integration with the titanium implants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2150–2161, 2017.
Blanchability and sensory quality of large runner peanuts blanched in a radiant wall oven using infrared radiation
Authors: Kettler Katrina , Adhikari Koushik , Singh Rakesh K
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

The main factors behind the growing popularity of infrared radiation heating in food processing include its energy efficiency, food quality retention and process speed, as well as the simplicity of equipment. Infrared radiation was employed as an alternative heat treatment to the conventional hot air method used in peanut blanching. The present study aimed to investigate the application of infrared heating for blanching peanuts and determine their blanchability and sensory quality under various processing conditions.

RESULTS

The total blanchabilities (expressed as a percentage of total blanched) of the infrared radiation trials (radiant wall oven) at 343 °C for 1.5 min, 316 °C for 1.5 min, 288 °C for 1.5 min and 343 °C for 1 min did not differ significantly compared to the hot air control trials (impingement oven) at 100 °C for 30 and 20 min. All infrared trials had significantly lower (P < 0.05) numbers of split kernels compared to those of the conventional trials and all blanched peanuts in the experiment remained raw. A descriptive sensory shelf‐life study with one control and three infrared samples demonstrated the possible initiation of oxidation for the conventionally blanched sample at 18 weeks of storage at 24 °C (room temperature), with no indication of oxidation in the infrared samples stored at the same temperature.

CONCLUSION

Infrared radiation peanut blanching is a viable alternative to conventional hot air blanching because of the shorter process time and longer shelf‐life, as evident from the sensory storage study. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Estimating occupancy probability of moose using hunter survey data
Authors: Crum Nathan J. , Fuller Angela K. , Sutherland Christopher S. , Cooch Evan G. , Hurst Jeremy
Published: March 2017

Monitoring rare species can be difficult, especially across large spatial extents, making conventional methods of population monitoring costly and logistically challenging. Citizen science has the potential to produce observational data across large areas that can be used to monitor wildlife distributions using occupancy models. We used citizen science (i.e., hunter surveys) to facilitate monitoring of moose (Alces alces) populations, an especially important endeavor because of their recent apparent declines in the northeastern and upper midwestern regions of the United States. To better understand patterns of occurrence of moose in New York, we used data collected through an annual survey of approximately 11,000 hunters between 2012 and 2014 that recorded detection–non‐detection data of moose and other species. We estimated patterns of occurrence of moose in relation to land cover characteristics, climate effects, and interspecific interactions using occupancy models to analyze spatially referenced moose observations. Coniferous and deciduous forest with low prevalence of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) had the highest probability of moose occurrence. This study highlights the potential of data collected using citizen science for understanding the spatial distribution of low‐density species across large spatial extents and providing key information regarding where and when future research and management activities should be focused. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Parametric macromodeling of integrated inductors for RF circuit design
Authors: Passos F. , Ye Y. , Spina D. , Roca E. , Castro‐López R. , Dhaene T. , Fernández F.V.
Published: March 2017

Nowadays, parametric macromodeling techniques are widely used to describe electromagnetic structures. In this contribution, the application of such parametric macromodeling techniques to the design of integrated inductors and radio‐frequency circuit design is investigated. In order to allow such different operations, a new modeling methodology is proposed, which improves the modeling accuracy when compared to former techniques. The new methodology is tailored to the unique characteristics of the devices under study. The obtained parametric macromodel is then used in a synthesis methodology and in the design of a voltage controlled oscillator in a 0.35‐μm CMOS technology. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1207–1212, 2017
Steeper change in body mass across four decades predicts poorer cardiometabolic outcomes at midlife
Authors: Xian Hong , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Liu Weijian , Hauger Richard L. , Jacobson Kristen C. , Lyons Michael J. , Panizzon Matthew , Reynolds Chandra A. , Vuoksimaa Eero , Kremen William S. , Franz Carol E.
Published: March 2017

Objective

This study examined patterns of change in adiposity across four decades starting in young adulthood as well as associations between change and midlife cardiometabolic outcomes.

Methods

BMI was assessed at ages 20, 40, 56, and 62 years in 977 male veterans from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. Age 62 (range 56‐66) cardiometabolic outcomes included hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and ischemic heart disease. Analyses included latent growth modeling (LGM), latent class growth modeling (LCGM), and logistic regression models.

Results

Linear BMI slope was associated with all outcomes. Accelerated (quadratic) BMI slope was significantly associated with greater risk for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and inflammation; odds ratios ranged from 1.93 (diabetes) to 3.15 (dyslipidemia). Initial BMI did not predict later outcomes. Linear slope contributed significant unique variance for diabetes and dyslipidemia even controlling for age 62 BMI. LCGM revealed three trajectories. Men with the relatively stable, lower BMI trajectory had significantly better outcomes than those with trajectories with accelerated increases, especially those including obesity.

Conclusions

How individuals reach late‐midlife BMI is important. Steepness of BMI change across 40 years from young adulthood to late midlife, in addition to late‐midlife BMI itself, was robustly associated with greater risk for poor cardiometabolic outcomes.
Interaction of Cysteine with Aun (n=8, 10, 12) Even Neutral Clusters: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Srivastava Ruby
Published: March 2017

The intermolecular interactions between gold nanoparticles Aun (n=8, 10, 12) with (neutral (o), cationic (+) and anionic (‐)) cysteine amino acid is investigated by means of density functional theory DFT –B3LYP/LANL2DZ:6‐31+G** mixed basis sets. The studies have been carried out on the structural, electronic and bonding properties of the major bonding factors: (a) the anchoring S−Au, O−Au and N−Au and (b) non‐conventional N–H⋅⋅⋅Au, O–H⋅⋅⋅Au bonds. Bader topological AIM analysis was carried out to interpret the nature of bonds to the complexation behavior. The NBO and frontier molecular orbital analysis indicated that the lone pair electrons of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur atoms are transferred to the antibonding orbitals of gold for the complex with anchoring bonds, while the lone pair electrons of gold are transferred to the antibonding orbitals of O−H⋅⋅⋅Au bonds. Our results demonstrated that cysteine‐Aun form stable complexes. Among the three (neutral, cationic and anionic) forms of cysteine, cationic cysteine complexes interact more stronger with the gold metal clusters. The bonding strength between gold clusters and cysteine is positively correlated with the S–Au overlap‐weighted bond order and negatively correlated to the S–Au bond length.
High‐Performance Non‐Fullerene Polymer Solar Cells Based on Fluorine Substituted Wide Bandgap Copolymers Without Extra Treatments
Authors: Fan Qunping , Su Wenyan , Meng Xiangyi , Guo Xia , Li Guangda , Ma Wei , Zhang Maojie , Li Yongfang
Published: March 2017

A new wide bandgap conjugated polymer, PFBZ, based on fluorination thienyl conjugated benzodithiophene (BDT‐2F) as a donor unit and difluorinated benzotriazole (BTz‐2F) as an acceptor unit, was synthesized for non‐fullerene polymer solar cells (PSCs) application. Compared with the analogue based on non‐fluorinated BDT unit (PBZ), PFBZ shows a lower HOMO level, a similar wide optical bandgap with a higher extinction coefficient, and a slightly higher hole mobility. As a result, without any extra treatments, the PFBZ:ITIC‐based device exhibits a higher PCE of 10.4% with Voc of 0.89 V, Jsc of 18.8 mA cm−2, and FF of 62% in comparison with the PCE of 8.0% with Voc of 0.79 V, Jsc of 17.2 mA cm−2, and FF of 59% for PBZ:ITIC‐based devices. Furthermore, the photovoltaic performance of the PFBZ: ITIC‐based devices are relatively insensitive to the thickness of the active layer and the PCE still remains 8.9% with a thickness of up to 200 nm. In addition, the PFBZ: ITIC‐based devices exhibit high tolerance to the thermal annealing, and still show a high PCE of 9.3% with annealing at 150 °C for 1 hour. These results indicate that PFBZ is a promising candidate for the large scale manufacturing and practical application of high efficient PSCs.
Simultaneous confidence bands for the mean of functional data
Authors: Degras David
Published: March 2017

The mean function is a central object of inquiry in the analysis of functional data. Typical questions related to the mean function include quantifying estimation uncertainty, testing parametric models, and making comparisons between populations. To make probabilistic statements about the mean function over its entire domain, rather than at a single location, it is necessary to infer all of its values simultaneously. Pointwise inference is not appropriate for this task and indeed produces anticonservative results, i.e., the coverage level of confidence regions is too low and the significance level of hypothesis tests too high. In contrast, simultaneous confidence bands (SCB) provide a flexible framework for conducting simultaneous inference on the mean function and other functional parameters. They also offer powerful visualization tools for communicating analytic results to interdisciplinary audiences. The construction ofSCBin the context of functional data requires specific theory and methods. In particular, it is not addressed by the nonparametric regression literature. Although software is available to perform individual steps of anSCBprocedure, resources that provide end‐to‐end computations are scarce. Applications ofSCBto one‐ and two‐sample inferences are illustrated here with the R package SCBmeanfd.WIREs Comput Stat2017, 9:e1397. doi: 10.1002/wics.1397

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Statistical Graphics and Visualization

Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
Producing Word of Mouth – a Matter of Self-Confidence? Investigating a Dual Effect of Consumer Self-Confidence on WOM
Authors: Wien Anders Hauge , Olsen Svein Ottar
Published: March 2017

Several researchers emphasize the importance of consumer self-confidence in the production of word of mouth (WOM). However, most focus has been on consumer self-confidence as a positive WOM predictor, and a possible negative relationship between consumer self-confidence and WOM remains largely unexplained. Here, we aimed to elucidate the possibility of both a positive and a negative effect of consumer self-confidence on WOM production, attributed to different dimensions of consumer self-confidence. Our results support this idea, demonstrating a positive effect of social consumer confidence on WOM and a negative effect of personal consumer confidence on WOM. Furthermore, we identify unique personality roots for each of the two dimensions of consumer self-confidence that provide explanations for their differential effects on WOM. In addition, this study shows that the dual effects of social and personal consumer confidence on WOM happen due to a suppression effect. Hence, we provide a statistical explanation that could be crucial in understanding the relationship between the multiple dimensions of consumer self-confidence and WOM. The findings have implications for the targeting of consumers for WOM marketing campaigns.
On the Distributional Implications of Safe Drinking Water Standards
Authors: Cory Dennis C. , Taylor Lester D.
Published: March 2017

The provision of safe drinking water provides a dramatic example of the inherent complexity involved in incorporating environmental justice (EJ) considerations into the implementation and enforcement of new environmental standards. To promote substantive EJ, implementation policy must be concerned with thenetrisk reduction of new and revised regulations. The regulatory concern is that higher water bills for low-income customers of small public water systems may result in less disposable income for other health-related goods and services. In the net, this trade-off may be welfare decreasing, not increasing. Advocates of Health–Health Analysis have argued that the reduction in health-related spending creates a problem for traditional benefit-cost analysis since the long-run health implications of this reduction are not considered. The results of this investigation tend to support this contention. An evaluation of the internal structure of consumption expenditures reveals that low-expenditure households can be expected to react to an increase in the relative price of housing-related goods and services due to a water-rate hike by reducing both housing and health-related expenditures. That is, the representative low-expenditure household re-establishes equilibrium by not only decreasing housing-related spending, but also by decreasing spending on health-related expenditures in a modest but significant way. These results reflect the fact that expenditures on housing are a major proportion of overall household spending, and that accommodating drinking water surcharges exacerbates both health and food security concerns for low-expenditures households.
Molecular identification of cryptic cysticercosis: Taenia ovis krabbei in wild intermediate and domestic definitive hosts
Authors: Formenti N. , Chiari M. , Trogu T. , Gaffuri A. , Garbarino C. , Boniotti M.B. , Corradini C. , Lanfranchi P. , Ferrari N.
Published: March 2017

The complex life cycle of taeniids represents an ideal model of a multi-host system. The complexity of these parasites can therefore cover the epidemiological issues of the interface between wild and domestic animals, especially once spatial overlap between wild and domestic definitive and intermediate hosts occurs. Here we use the occurrence of Taenia ovis krabbei in two model areas as an example of this epidemiological complexity. In two contiguous areas in the Italian northern Apennines, two hunted roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) showed numerous cysticerci in the muscles of their whole body and an adult tapeworm was recorded in a semi-stray dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Through molecular typing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) gene, cysticerci and the adult tapeworm of T. krabbei were identified. Taenia krabbei cysticercosis was recorded for the first time in Italy. Although the role of dogs in the parasite's life cycle emerges, the overlap between wild and domestic definitive hosts and the increase of wild population densities raise concerns about the temporal (old or new) introduction and the spread of this parasite by one of these canid species (wolf (Canis lupus) or dog). Although T. krabbei is not a public health issue, economic concerns emerged for hunters and meat producers, related to the damage of carcasses by cysticerci. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the spread of T. krabbei in the intermediate and definitive host populations, and to ensure the relevant sanitary education for hunters in order to avoid practices that could favour the spread and maintenance of its life cycle.
What did Epicurus Learn from Plato?
Authors: Goodman Lenn E. , Aikin Scott
Published: March 2017

Epicurus and Epicureans were famously antagonistic toward Platonic metaphysics and the dialectical style and technique pioneered in the Academy. However, there are Platonic methodological and doctrinal themes in Epicurus's epistemology, theology, and politics.
THREE DIFFERENT FORMALISATIONS OF EINSTEIN’S RELATIVITY PRINCIPLE
Authors: MADARÁSZ JUDIT X. , SZÉKELY GERGELY , STANNETT MIKE
Published: March 2017

We present three natural but distinct formalisations of Einstein’s special principle of relativity, and demonstrate the relationships between them. In particular, we prove that they are logically distinct, but that they can be made equivalent by introducing a small number of additional, intuitively acceptable axioms.
Minoxidil is a potential neuroprotective drug for paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Chen Yi-Fan , Chen Li-Hsien , Yeh Yu-Min , Wu Pei-Ying , Chen Yih-Fung , Chang Lian-Yun , Chang Jang-Yang , Shen Meng-Ru
Published: March 2017

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common side effect of cancer treatment. No medication has been shown to be effective in the treatment of CIPN. This study aims to integrate the image-based high-content screening, mouse behavior models and mechanistic cell-based assays to discover potential neuroprotective drugs. Among screened compounds, minoxidil showed the most potent neuroprotective effect against paclitaxel, with regard to neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Minoxidil protected mice from thermal insensitivity and alleviated mechanical allodynia in paclitaxel-treated mice. The ultrastructure and quantified G-ratio of myelin integrity of sciatic nerve tissues supported the observations in mouse behavioral tests. The mechanistic study on DRG neurons suggested that minoxidil suppressed neuroinflammation and remodeled the dysregulation of intracellular calcium homeostasis provoked by paclitaxel. Importantly, minoxidil showed a synergistic anti-tumor effect with paclitaxel both in tumor xenograft models of cervical and breast cancer. Interestingly, the quantitative assays on hair length and hair growth both exhibited that minoxidil significantly improved the hair quality after chemotherapy. Since minoxidil is a drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the safety and biocompatibility are well documented. The immediate next step is to launch an early-stage clinical trial intending to prevent CIPN by minoxidil.
Modeling out-of-plane actuation in thin-film nematic polymer networks: From chiral ribbons to auto-origami boxes via twist and topology
Authors: Gimenez-Pinto Vianney , Ye Fangfu , Mbanga Badel , Selinger Jonathan V. , Selinger Robin L. B.
Published: March 2017

Various experimental and theoretical studies demonstrate that complex stimulus-responsive out-of-plane distortions such as twist of different chirality, emergence of cones, simple and anticlastic bending can be engineered and pre-programmed in a liquid crystalline rubbery material given a well-controlled director microstructure. Via 3-d finite element simulation studies, we demonstrate director-encoded chiral shape actuation in thin-film nematic polymer networks under external stimulus. Furthermore, we design two complex director fields with twisted nematic domains and nematic disclinations that encode a pattern of folds for an auto-origami box. This actuator will be flat at a reference nematic state and form four well-controlled bend distortions as orientational order changes. Device fabrication is applicable via current experimental techniques. These results are in qualitative agreement with theoretical predictions, provide insight into experimental observations, and demonstrate the value of finite element methods at the continuum level for designing and engineering liquid crystal polymeric devices.