bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External Pressures or Internal Governance – What Determines the Extent of Corporate Responses to Climate Change?
Authors: Damert Matthias , Baumgartner Rupert J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTo prevent adverse effects from climate change, it is vital to involve the private sector in mitigation efforts. So far, however, research has insufficiently addressed the determinants of corporate action in specific industries. Our paper aims at bridging this gap by empirically analyzing the global automotive industry's response to climate change mitigation issues. We use publicly available information from 105 sector leaders to investigate the role of external institutional pressures and intra‐organizational governance in the extent of corporate action. Based on a multiple regression analysis, we find that organizational involvement and the integration of climate change into risk management exhibit the greatest influence. Moreover, companies with business activities that necessitate interaction with the end consumer tend to be most active. Our analysis furthermore indicates that neither the stringency of a firm's home country's climate policy regime nor the degree of internationalization is associated with a higher implementation level of response strategies. © 2017 The Authors. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Low‐Temperature Pasteurization of Liquid Whole Egg using Intense Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: BABA KAZUMA , KAJIWARA TAIGA , WATANABE SHOGO , KATSUKI SUNAO , SASAHARA RYO , INOUE KAZUYUKI 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYThis paper describes the pasteurization of liquid whole egg (LWE) using intense pulsed electric fields (PEF) combined with mild heat. Four kinds of liquids as solvents including carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution, CMC solution with adding lipoproteins extracted from LWE (CMC+), LWE, and centrifuged LWE for reducing lipoproteins (LWE−) were compared for the effectiveness of the PEF pasteurization. The liquids including Enterobacter aerogenes (107 /mL) were subjected to a number of PEF with an amplitude of 30 kV/cm or 50 kV/cm. Pre‐ and post‐PEF thermal treatments with a temperature below 55 °C were used to enhance the killing effect. Our experiments show that the bacteria logarithmic reduction ratio of the pasteurization using 30 kV/cm PEF for CMC, CMC+, LWE, and LWE− were 6.6, 2.4, 1.4, and 1.6, respectively, whereas the reduction ratios were all more than 6 when the increased field of 50 kV/cm. Only bacteria in CMC solution were effectively killed compared to other liquids, which include lipoproteins, more or less. Numerical analysis of the electric field indicates the presence of lipoproteins in the vicinity of bacteria lessens the bacterial membrane potential, which results in weakening the killing effect.
Direct Toner Printing: A Versatile Technology for Easy Fabrication of Flexible Miniaturized Electrodes
Authors: da Silva Everson T. S. G. , Alves Thais M. R. , Kubota Lauro T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe reported here three simple, low cost and easy to accomplish strategies for the fabrication of microelectrodes and other conductive patterns using ordinary office laser‐printers. In this work, toner patterns were directly printed onto the flexible substrate, acting as a mask to create the intended conductive design. To highlight the versatility of such technology, toner‐printed patterns were employed in two diverse ways: one in which the patterned toner had the exact design of the electrode and other employing a reverse toner‐printed pattern. The first one was used for the adaptation of the well‐known printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication technique, but using direct toner printing (DTP) in an already conductive flexible substrate. The second was employed for the two remaining strategies: one based on the deposition of conductive film, followed by lift‐off process; and another based on drop‐casting of a conductive ink into the formed toner cavities, followed by thermal cure. As proof‐of‐concept, all three DTP strategies were used for the fabrication of miniaturized gold electrodes in polyimide substrate, and electrochemical performance of each obtained electrode was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. Insights about DTP technology, alignment issues, advantages, limitations and resolution of each presented approach were provided. Finally, direct toner printing showed to be a simple, affordable and quite promising technology for the fabrication of low cost point‐of‐care electrochemical devices using flexible platforms.
Formulation, sensory evaluation, proximate composition and storage stability of cassava strips produced from the composite flour of cassava and cowpea
Authors: Dada Toluwase A. , Barber Lucretia I. , Ngoma Lubanza , Mwanza Mulunda 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe study developed an acceptable formula for the production of cassava strips (a deep fried product) using composite flour of cassava/cowpea at four different levels of cowpea substitutions (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30). Sensory properties, proximate composition, and shelf life at ambient temperature were determined. Proximate composition, shelf life, and microbial analysis were further done on the most preferred sample (80:20) and the control (100:0). Results showed a significant difference between the tested sample and the control, except in their moisture (4.1%–4.2%) and fiber (5.0%) contents which were similar. Protein content increased from 0.9% to 2.6%, fat 24.6% to 28.5%, carbohydrate 59.7% to 61.1%, and ash 1.8% to 2.5% in both control and most preferred sample. Results showed no changes in their peroxide value (2.4 mEq/kg), moisture content (4.1%), and bacterial count of 0 × 102 CFU/g at ambient storage temperature for 4 weeks. The addition of cowpea flour increased the nutritional quality of the cassava strips.
Estimating and testing direct genetic effects in directed acyclic graphs using estimating equations
Authors: Konigorski Stefan , Wang Yuan , Cigsar Candemir , Yilmaz Yildiz E. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTIn genetic association studies, it is important to distinguish direct and indirect genetic effects in order to build truly functional models. For this purpose, we consider a directed acyclic graph setting with genetic variants, primary and intermediate phenotypes, and confounding factors. In order to make valid statistical inference on direct genetic effects on the primary phenotype, it is necessary to consider all potential effects in the graph, and we propose to use the estimating equations method with robust Huber–White sandwich standard errors. We evaluate the proposed causal inference based on estimating equations (CIEE) method and compare it with traditional multiple regression methods, the structural equation modeling method, and sequential G‐estimation methods through a simulation study for the analysis of (completely observed) quantitative traits and time‐to‐event traits subject to censoring as primary phenotypes. The results show that CIEE provides valid estimators and inference by successfully removing the effect of intermediate phenotypes from the primary phenotype and is robust against measured and unmeasured confounding of the indirect effect through observed factors. All other methods except the sequential G‐estimation method for quantitative traits fail in some scenarios where their test statistics yield inflated type I errors. In the analysis of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 19 dataset, we estimate and test genetic effects on blood pressure accounting for intermediate gene expression phenotypes. The results show that CIEE can identify genetic variants that would be missed by traditional regression analyses. CIEE is computationally fast, widely applicable to different fields, and available as an R package.
Structural connectivity of the amygdala in young adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Gibbard Clare R. , Ren Juejing , Skuse David H. , Clayden Jonathan D. , Clark Chris A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impairments in social cognition, a function associated with the amygdala. Subdivisions of the amygdala have been identified which show specificity of structure, connectivity, and function. Little is known about amygdala connectivity in ASD. The aim of this study was to investigate the microstructural properties of amygdala—cortical connections and their association with ASD behaviours, and whether connectivity of specific amygdala subregions is associated with particular ASD traits. The brains of 51 high‐functioning young adults (25 with ASD; 26 controls) were scanned using MRI. Amygdala volume was measured, and amygdala—cortical connectivity estimated using probabilistic tractography. An iterative ‘winner takes all’ algorithm was used to parcellate the amygdala based on its primary cortical connections. Measures of amygdala connectivity were correlated with clinical scores. In comparison with controls, amygdala volume was greater in ASD (F(1,94) = 4.19; p = .04). In white matter (WM) tracts connecting the right amygdala to the right cortex, ASD subjects showed increased mean diffusivity (t = 2.35; p = .05), which correlated with the severity of emotion recognition deficits (rho = −0.53; p = .01). Following amygdala parcellation, in ASD subjects reduced fractional anisotropy in WM connecting the left amygdala to the temporal cortex was associated with with greater attention switching impairment (rho = −0.61; p = .02). This study demonstrates that both amygdala volume and the microstructure of connections between the amygdala and the cortex are altered in ASD. Findings indicate that the microstructure of right amygdala WM tracts are associated with overall ASD severity, but that investigation of amygdala subregions can identify more specific associations.
Experimental study of polyacrylamide gel in close‐in well operation
Authors: Hajipour Arvin , Baghban Salehi Mahsa , Vafaie Sefti Mohsen , Heidari Aghdas 
Published: December 2017

An optimized polymer gel, known as temporary gel, based on polyacrylamide sulfonated copolymer, and a chromium acetate hydroxide were synthesized to close‐in the wells during applying well servicing work. Based on bottle tests, polymer gel with 28 000 ppm of polymer concentration, and 0.105 ratio of crosslinker to polymer, was selected. The pressure effect within the range of 1000 to 4000 psi indicated not impressive effect of pressure on the gel properties. As the results of creep test clarified, yield strength of the gel was measured at temperature of 90°C, and 2000 Pa. Moreover, the results of an experiment under simulated well condition showed a linear correlation between the height of polymer gel column, and the strength and persistence of gel against fluid pressure. At last, process of degelling with 40 g of optimum gel was performed using 14 g of 30 wt% solution of citric acid during 4 hours.
The identification of students with emotional disturbance: Moving the field toward responsible assessment practices
Authors: Hanchon Timothy A. , Allen Ryan A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFor over 40 years, the special education category Emotional Disturbance (ED) has elicited considerable confusion and controversy for educators. Perhaps most notably, the federal ED definition has been assailed for its inclusion of vague, construct‐laden terminology, coupled with a general lack of clarity or guidance. In this article, we review the salient issues that have surrounded ED since it was first recognized as a disability category under P.L. 94–142 (i.e., the Education for All Handicapped Children Act). Additionally, we offer guidance that is intended to promote responsible and defensible assessment practices, as well as assist school psychologists and other educational professionals to avoid potential clinical judgment errors that may otherwise cloud the eligibility determination process. To conclude, we advocate for comprehensive assessment practices that are conducted in accordance with ethical standards that govern the field of school psychology, and are underpinned by scientific principles with the intent of accurately identifying as well as optimally serving students who are considered for the ED category.
Antibody Profiling by Proteome Microarray with Multiplex Isotype Detection Reveals Overlap between Human and Aotus nancymaae Controlled Malaria Infections
Authors: Taghavian Omid , Jain Aarti , Joyner Chester J. , Ketchum Sunny , Nakajima Rie , Jasinskas Algis , Liang Li , Fong Rich , King Christopher , Greenhouse Bryan , Murphy Maxwell , Bailey Jason , Galinski Mary R. , Barnwell John W. , Plowe Christopher V. , Davies D. Huw , Felgner Philip L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe development of vaccines against malaria and serodiagnostic tests for detecting recent exposure requires tools for antigen discovery and suitable animal models. The protein microarray is a high‐throughput, sample sparing technique, with applications in infectious disease research, clinical diagnostics, epidemiology, and vaccine development. We recently demonstrated Qdot‐based indirect immunofluorescence together with portable optical imager ArrayCAM using single isotype detection could replicate data using the conventional laser confocal scanner system. We developed a multiplexing protocol for simultaneous detection of IgG, IgA, and IgM and compared samples from a controlled human malaria infection model with those from controlled malaria infections of Aotus nancymaae, a widely used non‐human primate model of human malaria. IgG profiles showed the highest concordance in number of reactive antigens; thus, of the 139 antigens recognized by human IgG antibody, 111 were also recognized by Aotus monkeys. Interestingly, IgA profiles were largely non‐overlapping. Finally, on the path toward wider deployment of the portable platform, we show excellent correlations between array data obtained in five independent laboratories around the United States using the multiplexing protocol (R2: 0.60–0.92). This study supports the use of this platform for wider deployment, particularly in endemic areas where such a tool will have the greatest impact on global human health.
Defining lower airway bacterial infection in children with chronic endobronchial disorders
Authors: Hare Kim M. , Pizzutto Susan J. , Chang Anne B. , Smith‐Vaughan Heidi C. , McCallum Gabrielle B. , Beissbarth Jemima , Versteegh Lesley , Grimwood Keith 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundDifferentiating lower airway bacterial infection from possible upper airway contamination in children with endobronchial disorders undergoing bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is important for guiding management. A diagnostic bacterial load threshold based on inflammatory markers has been determined to differentiate infection from upper airway contamination in infants with cystic fibrosis, but not for children with protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB), chronic suppurative lung disease (CSLD), or bronchiectasis.MethodsBAL samples from children undergoing bronchoscopy underwent quantitative bacterial culture, cytologic examination, and respiratory virus testing; a subset also had interleukin‐8 examined. Geometric means (GMs) of total cell counts (TCCs) and neutrophil counts were plotted by respiratory pathogen bacterial load. Logistic regression determined associations between age, sex, Indigenous status, antibiotic exposure, virus detection and bacterial load, and elevated TCCs (>400 × 103 cells/mL) and airway neutrophilia (neutrophils >15% BAL leukocytes).ResultsFrom 2007 to 2016, 655 children with PBB, CSLD, or bronchiectasis were enrolled. In univariate analyses, Indigenous status and bacterial load ≥105 colony‐forming units (CFU)/mL were positively associated with high TCCs. Viruses and bacterial load ≥104 CFU/mL were positively associated with neutrophilia; negative associations were seen for Indigenous status and macrolides. In children who had not received macrolide antibiotics, bacterial load was positively associated in multivariable analyses with high TCCs at ≥104 CFU/mL and with neutrophilia at ≥105 CFU/mL; GMs of TCCs and neutrophil counts were significantly elevated at 104 and 105 CFU/mL compared to negative cultures.ConclusionsOur findings support a BAL threshold ≥104 CFU/mL to define lower airway infection in children with chronic endobronchial disorders.
Development and Validation of Mass Spectrometry‐Based Targeted Analysis for Amyloid Proteins
Authors: Park Jisook , Lee Ga Yeon , Choi Jin‐Oh , Jeon Eun‐Seok , Kim Kihyun , Kim Jung‐Sun , Lee Soo‐Youn 
Published: December 2017

PurposeAmyloidosis is caused by the extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrils and results in multiple organ dysfunctions. Accurate typing of amyloid is mandatory to decide the optimal treatment for amyloidosis.Experimental designA mass spectrometry‐based test combined with laser microdissection (LMD/MS) has been widely used even in the tricky cases that cannot be discriminated by immunohistochemical staining. However, shotgun proteomics analysis obligatorily requires not only expensive instruments but also highly‐experienced specialists to interpret the analysis. Thus, a method of LMD combined with multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM‐MS) that can detect three most common types of amyloidosis is developed.ResultsThe diagnostic method is tested in 16 Congo red‐positive tissues and 10 Congo red‐negative control tissues. The results showed better performance in amyloidosis typing than other analytical techniques.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThis novel diagnostic approach can achieve successful amyloidosis typing with high specificity and sensitivity and be implemented more easily in general clinical laboratories.
Effect of heat treatment temperature on properties of electrosprayed paperboard
Authors: Vanit S. , Sane A. , Yoksan R. , Jinkarn T. 
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of additional heat treatment on the properties of paperboard electrosprayed with poly(lactic acid) (PLA). For this study, paperboards electrosprayed with PLA at 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/v) were further heat‐treated at 170°C, 180°C, 190°C, and 200°C for 1 minute. Physical properties, such as basis weight, thickness, and colour of electrosprayed paperboards, were investigated. For mechanical properties, folding endurance and bursting strength of treated paperboard was tested. Water resistance property was observed through contact angle, and water absorption was monitored by Cobb test. In addition, water vapour transmission rate tests were also conducted. Surface characteristics were investigated using a scanning electron microscope and roughness tester. After heat treatment, PLA particles on the paperboard surface melted and formed a smoother continuous surface; this contributed to lower water contact angles and significantly lower water absorption. Furthermore, the higher the concentration of PLA, the better the water resistance. Moreover, heat treatment temperature between 180°C and 200°C could significantly improve the water vapour barrier and water resistance properties. Temperature and treatment time could not be further increased, as the electrosprayed paper substrate was damaged and became yellowish. In addition, for the mechanical properties, an increase in the heat treatment temperature improved the bursting strength; however, a reduction in folding endurance was observed, because the melted PLA particles were absorbed deeper into the paper structure and made the whole matrix more brittle.
Misconception of sound and conceptual change: A cross‐sectional study on students' materialistic thinking of sound
Authors: Eshach Haim , Lin Tzu‐Chiang , Tsai Chin‐Chung 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThere is a concern that materialistic thinking—meaning the tendency to attribute a set of matter‐like properties to nonmatter concepts—is one of the central barriers that students face in the journey toward understanding scientific concepts. The cross‐sectional study presented here used the Sound Concept Inventory Instrument (SCII) (Eshach, [], Physical Review Physics Education Research, 10, 010202) to examine how Taiwanese students (N = 717: Grade 7 to undergraduate level) associate the nonmaterial concept of sound with this set of (erroneous) materialistic properties and/or with the (correct) scientific view. Its results show that students in all academic level groups associated sound, at least to some extent, with all of the materialistic properties defined in the instrument. Grades 7–9 evidenced the greatest amount of materialistic thinking, followed by Grade 11, with the lowest levels of materialistic thinking being shown by Grades 10 and 12, as well as university students. We also found that the respondents' confidence in the materialistic view they expressed was high. The results suggest that the extent to which students associate sound with materialistic thinking is not ordered by academic level, but was rather influenced by the immediate relevance of each group's recent curriculum to the topic of sound. This article concludes by examining the results through the lens of several different theories of conceptual change, and by making suggestions, in light of these results, for how the teaching of sound concepts might be improved.
Effects of low‐dose melamine exposure during pregnancy on maternal and fetal kidneys in rats
Authors: Chu Ching Yan , Fung Kwok Pui , Wang Chi Chiu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDespite the previous reports on melamine contamination in high concentrations some years ago, there were not many studies on low‐level exposure in daily life, particularly in pregnancy. We investigated the effect of low‐dose melamine on the kidneys of the pregnant rats and their developing embryos/fetuses during various gestational stages namely implantation, gastrulation, organogenesis, maturation and whole pregnancy. Our results showed that the repeated low level of melamine (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bw/d) during pregnancy did not cause obstruction of renal tubules although more precipitating crystals were found in the early gestational periods. Simple hyperplasia in the maternal tubules and pelvic epithelium were more prominent after exposed to melamine during the whole gestational period. Neonatal kidneys significantly suffered more from congestion in glomeruli and interstitium, dilated tubules and interstitial edema after melamine administration to the mother in the late and the whole gestational periods. A trend of advance of glomerular development in fetuses was also observed. We conclude that in utero exposure of low‐level melamine could post a risk on the kidneys of the pregnant mother as well as the developing fetuses, which may further increase the possibility of other health problems later in life.