bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of a GC-Orbitrap-MS with Parallel GC-FID Capabilities for Metabolomics of Human Serum
Authors: Misra Biswapriya B. , Bassey Ekong , Olivier Michael 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) platforms for use in high throughput and discovery metabolomics have heavily relied on time of flight (ToF), and low resolution quadrupole and ion trap mass spectrometers and are typically run in electron ionization (EI) modes for matching spectral libraries. Traditionally, detectors such as flame ionization detection (FID), have also helped in identification and quantification of compounds in complex samples for diverse clinical applications, i.e., fatty acids. We probed if combination of FID in line with a high-resolution instrument like a GC-Orbitrap-MS may confer advantages over traditional mass spectrometry using EI.We used a commercially available human serum sample to enhance the chemical space of serum using an advanced high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) platform (QExactive Orbitrap-MS) with an FID feature for confident metabolite identification to assess the suitability of the platform for routine clinical metabolomics research. Using the EI mode, we quantified 294 metabolites in human serum using GC-Orbitrap-MS. These metabolites belonged to 89 biological pathways in KEGG. Following a sample split, using an in-line FID analysis, 1117 peaks were quantified. Moreover, representative peaks from FID and their corresponding MS counterparts showed a good correspondence when compared for relative abundance.Our study highlights the benefits of the use of a higher mass accuracy instrument for untargeted GC-MS-based metabolomics not only with EI mode but also orthogonal detection method such as FID, for robust and orthogonal quantification, in future studies addressing complex biological samples in clinical set ups.
Molecular characteristics of chronic hepatitis B virus infection among voluntary blood donors in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Maindo Pati Moloko , Mudwahefa Didier Anzenza , Mukendi Jean-Pierre Kambala , Yuma Sylvain Ramazani , Muwonga Jérémie Masidi , Misinzo Gerald 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis B represents a major global health problem. Despite the high endemicity of hepatitis B in Sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the molecular characteristics of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Africa, and there are very few published studies that describe the genetic characteristics of HBV in asymptomatic adults in DRC. The present study aimed at determining the molecular diversity of chronic HBV infection in voluntary blood donors in Kinshasa, DRC.MethodsBlood samples from 582 voluntary blood donors at the National Blood Transfusion Centre in Kinshasa, DRC, were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Partial amplification and sequencing of S gene in HBV-positive samples was conducted.ResultsThe presence of HBsAg was detected in 6.9 % (40/582) blood donors. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial S gene nucleotide sequences of HBV showed that the majority (66.7 %, 10/15) of HBV strains clustered into genotype A, followed by the genotypes E (26.6 %, 4/15) and D (6.7 %, 1/15). Genotype A strains were classified into subgenotype A1, quasi-subgenotype A3, and subgenotype A4, with quasi-subgenotype A3 being predominant. One new genotype A strain did not cluster with any existing HBV/A subgenotype or quasi-subgenotype.ConclusionsThe present study highlights the high genetic variability of chronic HBV infection in DRC, and the possibility of a new HBV/A subgenotype, suggesting that HBV has a long evolutionary history in DRC. Further molecular characterization of complete HBV genomes is needed for a more accurate assessment of HBV genetic variability and its clinical significance in DRC, as partial sequences are not appropriate for determining HBV new subgenotypes.
Glycoproteomic measurement of site-specific polysialylation
Authors: Pelingon Ruby , Pegg Cassandra L. , Zacchi Lucia F. , Phung Toan K. , Howard Christopher B. , Xu Ping , Hardy Matthew P. , Owczarek Catherine M. , Schulz Benjamin L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPolysialylation is the enzymatic addition of a highly negatively charged sialic acid polymer to the non-reducing termini of glycans. Polysialylation plays an important role in development, and is involved in neurological diseases, neural tissue regeneration, and cancer. Polysialic acid (PSA) is also a biodegradable and non-immunogenic conjugate to therapeutic drugs to improve their pharmacokinetics. PSA chains vary in length, composition, and linkages, while the specific sites of polysialylation are important determinants of protein function. However, PSA is difficult to analyse by mass spectrometry (MS) due to its high negative charge and size. Most analytical approaches for analysis of PSA measure its degree of polymerization and monosaccharide composition, but do not address the key questions of site specificity and occupancy. Here, we developed a high-throughput LC-ESI-MS/MS glycoproteomics method to measure site-specific polysialylation of glycoproteins. This method measures site-specific PSA modification by using mild acid hydrolysis to eliminate PSA and sialic acids while leaving the glycan backbone intact, together with protease digestion followed by LC-ESI-MS/MS glycopeptide detection. PSA-modified glycopeptides are not detectable by LC-ESI-MS/MS, but become detectable after desialylation, allowing measurement of site-specific PSA occupancy. This method is an efficient analytical workflow for the study of glycoprotein polysialylation in biological and therapeutic settings.Graphical Abstract
The effects of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on students learning effectiveness. Exploring the moderating role of gender
Authors: Zaccone Maria Cristina , Pedrini Matteo 
Published: August 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between individual motivation – both intrinsic and extrinsic – and learning effectiveness; moreover, this paper also investigates whether this relationship is moderated by gender.Design/methodology/approachA quasi-experimental study was conducted. The research measured intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation and learning effectiveness among 1,491 students attending a course-work in informatics and computer basics in three different contexts: Burundi, Morocco and India.FindingsFindings suggest that intrinsic motivation has a positive effect on learning effectiveness, while extrinsic motivation has a negative effect on learning effectiveness. It also shows that gender has a moderating role.Originality/valueThis research offers interesting contributions to the extant literature: first, it is the first to consider the moderating role of gender in the relationship between students’ motivation and learning effectiveness; second, it proposes the analysis of a rather broad data set with 1,491 students, thus providing strong empirical research based on a consistent data set.
The networked enterprise and legitimacy judgments: why digital platforms need leadership
Authors: Wang Chong , Cardon Peter Wilson 
Published: August 2019

Purpose In recent years, scholars, business practitioners and consultants frequently talk about building the networked enterprise. The purpose of this paper is to examine the connections between networked enterprises, organizational legitimacy and organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach A survey was developed that measured the following aspects of a networked enterprise: employees who network and communicate extensively via internal digital platforms across their organizations; leaders who actively use internal digital platforms to communicate with employees; leaders who actively communicate with stakeholders via external digital platforms; and an innovation culture. The survey measured the following forms of legitimacy judgments: moral; instrumental; and relational. Altogether, 501 executives and managers were surveyed (207 executives, 147 senior managers and 147 managers) in mid-to-large sized (over 500 employees) companies.

Findings The analyses showed strong statistical significance for nearly all relationships. Internal communication on digital platforms, networked employee communication and an innovation culture all contributed to moral, instrumental and relational legitimacy. Leadership communication on external digital platforms (social media) was not a significant contributor to moral or relational legitimacy but was a significant contributor to instrumental legitimacy. Higher organization legitimacy was correlated with higher profit growth.

Practical implications Leaders and communicators should prioritize a networked enterprise in several ways. They should actively communicate with employees on internal digital platforms. To be absent on internal digital platforms is a significant missed opportunity by leaders to build organizational legitimacy. Further, leaders and communicators should actively promote networked communication among employees as much as possible. Finally, leaders and communicators should communicate, model and reward an innovation culture.

Originality/value There are no known scholarly studies that accomplish the following: empirically examine a model of networked enterprises comprised of vertical and horizontal communication and an innovation culture; and make connections between leadership communication on digital platforms in networked enterprises with legitimacy judgments. The large sample of contemporary executives and managers bolsters the strength of the findings.
Teaching through culture
Authors: Sturdivant Toni Denese , Alanís Iliana 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
Oftentimes, attempts at culturally relevant early childhood practices are limited to diverse materials in the physical environment. The purpose of this study is to document the culturally relevant teaching practices, specifically for African American children, within a culturally diverse preschool classroom with a Black teacher.

Design/methodology/approach
The researchers used qualitative methodology to answer the following question: How does a Black preschool teacher enact culturally relevant practices for her African American students in a culturally diverse classroom? Data sources included field notes from classroom observations, transcripts from both formal and informal semi-structured interviews with a Master Teacher and photographs.

Findings
The authors found that the participant fostered an inclusive classroom community and a classroom environment that reflected the range of human diversity. She was intentional in her integration of culturally representative read alouds and lessons designed to incorporate students’ interests. Finally, she engaged families by facilitating their involvement in her curriculum. However, social justice aspects were absent during the time of the study.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature in that it documents a high-quality early childhood classroom with a teacher, that is, actively trying to incorporate the cultures of her African American students. Many extant studies provide examples of superficial culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) being enacting in early childhood classrooms or the focus is not specifically on African American children.
Predicted property investment returns: risk and growth models
Authors: French Nick 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the principal measures of performance used in property and other investment types. In particular, the briefing will explore the relationship of the expected IRR with the initial return, highlighting the role of growth in the investment dynamic.

Design/methodology/approach
This education briefing is an overview of investment growth models with worked examples.

Findings
The analysis of property growth models is akin to the Fisher and Gordon growth models used in other finance markets.

Practical implications
This comparison of the models can work for all forms of investment. Similarly, instead of looking at the overall return as the measure of comparison (expected vs required), it is possible to work backwards and deduce market expectations and compare these with the investors view on those variables.

Originality/value
This is a review of existing models.
European energy security dilemma: major challenges and confrontation strategies
Authors: Elbassoussy Ahmed 
Published: August 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated theoretical framework for energy security concept and to shed light on the policies and strategies applied by the European Union countries to confront the challenges that faces them.

Design/methodology/approach
The research paper uses Regional Security complexes theory, which mainly developed in Copenhagen school for security studies, that founded by Barry Buzan. This school tried to clarify the untraditional security aspects, through expanding its scope by adding new dimensions than military perspective.

Findings
Despite the consolidated efforts exerted by the European Union to assure safe levels of energy security, and their continuous pursuit to be liberated from Russian energy over dependence, but the results are still limited.

Originality/value
The value of this research paper stems from the fact that it encompass the theoretical aspect by shedding light on all the developments occurred to energy security concept, in addition to the Empirical side, by analyzing various European energy security challenges and their confrontation strategies.
A physiological model for predicting dynamics of tree stem‐wood non‐structural carbohydrates
Authors: Fang Jing , Lutz James A. , Shugart Hank H. , Yan Xiaodong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNon‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) are considered important in the metabolism of wood plants, and they are highly dynamic. Accurate and detailed modelling of NSC dynamics may increase the understanding of physiological processes.We constructed a physiological model that simulates NSC dynamics from photosynthesis, transpiration and growth carbon demand. With this model, we tested the hypotheses that production, allocation and storage explain tree‐ and forest‐level carbohydrates balance, and especially that cambial activities explain the major portion of carbon consumption.We applied this model at one plot in Harvard Forest, Massachusetts, USA. The predicted results of stem‐wood NSC dynamics of 20 deciduous broad‐leaved trees corresponded well with measurements. NSC (i.e. product from photosynthesis) allocations depended on thermal time and the development stage of each organ. Water movements driven by water potential gradients in whole‐trees also influenced tree growth, which was a necessary process for predicting the daily NSC dynamics.Synthesis. This model combined wood growth at whole‐tree scale and carbohydrates balance at cellular scale with short‐term vegetation hydraulics. The model provides a foundation to further understand the complex interactions between environmental factors and tree carbon allocation.
Do independent treatment centers offer more value than general hospitals? The case of cataract care
Authors: Kruse Florien M. , Groenewoud Stef , Atsma Femke , van der Galiën Onno P. , Adang Eddy M. M. , Jeurissen Patrick P. T. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo identify differences between independent treatment centers (ITCs) and general hospitals (GHs) regarding costs, quality of care, and efficiency.Data SourcesAnonymous claims data (2013‐2015) were used. We also obtained quality indicators from a semipublic platform.Study DesignThis study uses a comparative multilevel analysis, controlling for case mix, to evaluate the performance of ITCs and GHs for patients diagnosed with cataract.Data CollectionReimbursement claims were extracted from existing claims databases of the largest Dutch health insurer. Quality indicators were obtained by external agencies through a mixed‐mode survey.Principal FindingsThere are no stark differences in complexity of cases for cataract care. ITCs seem to perform surgeries more frequently per care pathway, but conduct a lower number of health care activities per surgical claim. Total average costs are lower in ITCs compared with GHs, but when adjusted for case mix, the differences in costs are lower. The findings with the adjusted quality differences suggest that ITCs outperform GHs on patient satisfaction, but patients’ outcomes are similar.ConclusionThis finding supports the postulation—based on the focus factory theory—that ITCs can provide more value for cataract care than GHs.
Using Canola Oil Organogels as Fat Replacement in Liver Pâté
Authors: Barbut Shai , Marangoni Alejandro G. , Thode Uwe , Tiensa Brian E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFive canola oil organogel formulations were used to replace pork fat in pâtés to increase unsaturated fat content, and to determine their effects on texture and sensory properties. While pâtés made with canola oil were softer than the control pork fat product at room temperature, pâtés made with gelled canola oil (organogel pâtés) had similar hardness values to the control. Back extrusion results (also a measure of spreadability) showed that pâté made with canola oil only was softer than the control at 4 °C, but the pâtés made with organogels were similar to the control. Organogel pâtés were perceived to have similar sensory hardness, oiliness, and juiciness as the control. Pâtés made with organogels showed higher oil loss, over time, compared to control; however, pâtés made with organogels containing glycerol monostearate showed lower oil loss after 24 hr (P < 0.05) compared to the other organogel treatments. Light microscopy showed that fat globule size was notably larger in pâtés made with organogels than in the pork fat and the canola oil control pâtés. The color of organogel pâtés was darker compared to pâtés made with pork fat or canola oil only. Sensory data showed that all fat replaced pâtés had very similar flavor profiles. Overall, organogel pâtés showed comparable textural, physical, and sensory properties to the traditional pâté made with pork fat, while reducing the saturated fat content by 60%.Practical ApplicationUse of vegetable oil in highly emulsified liver pâté has been shown to be possible via the use of organogels prepared with ethylcellulose. This has been a challenge because some of the meat proteins are heat denatured prior to the emulsification process. Overall, the use of organogels, with specific hardness and oil retention values, is possible as demonstrated in this publication.
Sensory Shelf Life Estimation of Novel Fortified Blended Foods Under Accelerated and Real‐Time Storage Conditions
Authors: Chanadang Sirichat , Chambers Edgar 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFortified blended foods (FBFs), a staple of food aid around the world, must maintain desirable characteristics for long periods of storage. This study estimated the shelf life of FBFs, including a traditional FBF (nonextruded corn soy blend plus [CSB+]) and 13 novel extrusion cooked FBFs. All products were stored under accelerated and real‐time environments (real time = 30 °C and 65% relative humidity [RH], accelerated = 50 °C and 70% RH based on a Q10 factor of 2). Products were made into porridges and evaluated by a descriptive sensory panel for five times in each shelf life condition. Rancid and painty sensory characteristics were key determining factors for shelf life. Real‐time (RT) and accelerated shelf life (ASL) testing agreed that most novel extrusion cooked FBFs had shelf lives of at least 2 years, which is comparable to current CSB+. However, ASL testing failed to predict RT shelf life of two novel FBFs, which were estimated by RT testing to have a 2+ year shelf life. The results indicated that novel extrusion cooked FBFs have high potential for use as alternative complementary food and maintain quality for long storage periods. It is essential to conduct RT testing parallel with ASLT testing, especially for new products, to obtain a more precise estimation of products’ shelf life.Practical ApplicationThese findings show that extrusion cooked novel fortified blended foods made with extrusion generally can last up to or exceeding 24 months at ambient conditions as measured either real‐time or under accelerated conditions. This is plenty of time for storage, shipping, distribution, and home storage of such products by recipients. Thus, there should be no concerns about shelf life of these products for international distribution.
Nitrous oxide emissions associated with ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria abundance in fields of switchgrass with and without intercropped alfalfa
Authors: Pannu Manmeet W. , Meinhardt Kelley A. , Bertagnolli Anthony , Fransen Steven C. , Stahl David A. , Strand Stuart E. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThe nitrogen (N) fertilizer required to supply a bioenergy industry with sufficient feedstocks is associated with adverse environmental impacts, including loss of oxidized reactive nitrogen through leaching and the production of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O). We examined effects on crop yield, N fate and the response of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) to conventional fertilizer application or intercropping with N‐fixing alfalfa, for N delivery to switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a potential bioenergy crop. Replicated field plots in Prosser, WA, were sampled over two seasons for reactive nitrogen, N2O gas emissions, and bacterial and archaeal ammonia monooxygenase gene (amoA) counts. Intercropping with alfalfa (70:30, switchgrass:alfalfa) resulted in reduced dry matter yields compared to fertilized plots, but three times lower N2O fluxes (≤ 4 g N2O‐N ha−1 d−1) than fertilized plots (12.5 g N2O‐N ha−1 d−1). In the fertilized switchgrass plots, AOA abundance was greater than AOB abundance, but only AOB abundance was positively correlated with N2O emissions, implicating AOB as the major producer of N2O emissions. A life cycle analysis of N2O emissions suggested the greenhouse gas emissions from cellulosic ethanol produced from switchgrass intercropped with alfalfa cultivation would be 94% lower than emissions from equivalent gasoline usage.
Inherited retinal disease in Norway – a characterization of current clinical and genetic knowledge
Authors: Holtan Josephine Prener , Selmer Kaja Kristine , Heimdal Ketil Riddervold , Bragadóttir Ragnheiður 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to characterize current clinical and genetic knowledge of patients with inherited retinal disease in Norway and give an estimate of the prevalence. These data are necessary to identify patients eligible for new personalized medicines, to facilitate genetic counselling for their families and to plan clinical follow‐up.MethodsA patient registry including clinical and genetic data was established. Clinical data were retrieved during 2003–2018. Genetic testing was performed in the period 2007–2018.ResultsThe material included 866 patients with 41 clinical diagnoses at the cut‐off date. The most prevalent diseases were as follows: retinitis pigmentosa (54%), Stargardt macular dystrophy (6.5%) and Leber congenital amaurosis (5.2%). A genetic diagnosis was identified in 32% of patients. In total, 207 disease‐causing variants in 56 genes were reported. The most commonly reported disease‐causing genes were ABCA4, USH2A and BEST1. The estimated adjusted minimum prevalence of inherited retinal disease in the south‐east region of Norway was 1: 3,856 (2.6/10 000).ConclusionThis population‐based study demonstrated an estimated prevalence for all inherited retinal diseases in south‐east Norway and described the distribution of clinical diagnoses, onset of symptoms, inheritance patterns and genetic data and thereby expands our knowledge of inherited retinal disease in Norway. The newly established registry and biobank will support patient feasibility for future clinical trials, treatment selection and counselling of families.