bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propargylated novolac resins for fibre‐reinforced plastics: Processing aspects
Authors: Bulgakov Boris , Kalugin Denis , Babkin Alexander , Makarenko Irina , Malakho Artem , Kepman Alexey , Avdeev Victor , Garadja Nikita , Rogozin Alexey 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPropargylated novolac resins (PN) are known polymer binders for fibre‐reinforced plastic production. Unlike common phenolic resins, PNs are able to cure without volatiles, avoiding porosity formation in the final material. Otherwise, PN curing proceeds with a high exothermal effect (up to 1200 J/g), causing overheating that may result in destruction of material and equipment damage. The specific heat release limit was found with a curing kinetic study complemented with mathematical calculations to be 660 J/g for a quick and safe moulding process. A new commercially‐available catalyst for PN curing based on Ni(II) salts is recommended for composite pressing. Use of this catalyst helps to spread exothermal effects and simplify the curing process. It was shown that by varying reaction conditions, it is possible to adjust material properties such as Tg, char yield, curing temperature, and processing time.
Body size but not warning signal luminance influences predation risk in recently metamorphosed poison frogs
Authors: Flores Eric E. , Stevens Martin , Moore Allen J. , Rowland Hannah M. , Blount Jonathan D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractDuring early development, many aposematic species have bright and conspicuous warning appearance, but have yet to acquire chemical defenses, a phenotypic state which presumably makes them vulnerable to predation. Body size and signal luminance in particular are known to be sensitive to variation in early nutrition. However, the relative importance of these traits as determinants of predation risk in juveniles is not known. To address this question, we utilized computer‐assisted design (CAD) and information on putative predator visual sensitivities to produce artificial models of postmetamorphic froglets that varied in terms of body size and signal luminance. We then deployed the artificial models in the field and measured rates of attack by birds and unknown predators. Our results indicate that body size was a significant predictor of artificial prey survival. Rates of attack by bird predators were significantly higher on smaller models. However, predation by birds did not differ between artificial models of varying signal luminance. This suggests that at the completion of metamorphosis, smaller froglets may be at a selective disadvantage, potentially because predators can discern they have relatively low levels of chemical defense compared to larger froglets. There is likely to be a premium on efficient foraging, giving rise to rapid growth and the acquisition of toxins from dietary sources in juvenile poison frogs.
The controversial existence of the human superior fronto‐occipital fasciculus: Connectome‐based tractographic study with microdissection validation
Authors: Meola Antonio , Comert Ayhan , Yeh Fang‐Cheng , Stefaneanu Lucia , Fernandez‐Miranda Juan C. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe superior fronto‐occipital fasciculus (SFOF), a long association bundle that connects frontal and occipital lobes, is well‐documented in monkeys but is controversial in human brain. Its assumed role is in visual processing and spatial awareness. To date, anatomical and neuroimaging studies on human and animal brains are not in agreement about the existence, course, and terminations of SFOF. To clarify the existence of the SFOF in human brains, we applied deterministic fiber tractography to a template of 488 healthy subjects and to 80 individual subjects from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and validated the results with white matter microdissection of post‐mortem human brains. The imaging results showed that previous reconstructions of the SFOF were generated by two false continuations, namely between superior thalamic peduncle (STP) and stria terminalis (ST), and ST and posterior thalamic peduncle. The anatomical microdissection confirmed this finding. No other fiber tracts in the previously described location of the SFOF were identified. Hence, our data suggest that the SFOF does not exist in the human brain. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4964–4971, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring Communication Skills: The STEM Interpersonal Communication Skills Assessment Battery
Authors: Wilkins Kerrie G. , Bernstein Bianca L. , Bekki Jennifer M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundEffective interpersonal communication skills in the advisor‐advisee relationship context are important to the success of graduate students. Few instruments have previously been developed to assess students' communication skills in this context.Purpose/HypothesisThis study reports the development and validation of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Interpersonal Communication Skills Assessment Battery (STEM ICSAB) for women doctoral students in engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, and the physical sciences. The STEM ICSAB consists of three instruments: the Interpersonal Communication Knowledge Assessment, Interpersonal Communication Coping Self‐Efficacy Assessment, and the Interpersonal Communication Skills Assessment.Design/MethodThe STEM ICSAB was developed in three stages. Stage I consisted of item generation and establishment of content validity. In Stage II, an exploratory analysis with a convenience sample of undergraduate and graduate students determined the initial factor structure of each instrument. In Stage III, a confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of women doctoral students further examined the factor structures derived from Stage II.ResultsThe Knowledge assessment has 20 items, the Coping Self‐Efficacy assessment has 12 items, and the Skills assessment has five items. All three measures fit a unidimensional factor structure and demonstrate moderate to high internal consistency.ConclusionThis study provides initial support for the psychometric properties of the STEM ICSAB. Use of the STEM ICSAB will improve opportunities for women doctoral students to learn, practice, and improve critical interpersonal communication skills.
Analysis‐preserving video microscopy compression via correlation and mathematical morphology
Authors: Shao Chong , Zhong Alfred , Cribb Jeremy , Osborne Lukas D. , O'Brien E. Timothy , Superfine Richard , Mayer‐Patel Ketan , Taylor Russell M. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe large amount video data produced by multi‐channel, high‐resolution microscopy system drives the need for a new high‐performance domain‐specific video compression technique. We describe a novel compression method for video microscopy data. The method is based on Pearson's correlation and mathematical morphology. The method makes use of the point‐spread function (PSF) in the microscopy video acquisition phase. We compare our method to other lossless compression methods and to lossy JPEG, JPEG2000, and H.264 compression for various kinds of video microscopy data including fluorescence video and brightfield video. We find that for certain data sets, the new method compresses much better than lossless compression with no impact on analysis results. It achieved a best compressed size of 0.77% of the original size, 25× smaller than the best lossless technique (which yields 20% for the same video). The compressed size scales with the video's scientific data content. Further testing showed that existing lossy algorithms greatly impacted data analysis at similar compression sizes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1055–1061, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Observational investigation of relationships between moisture surges and mesoscale‐ to large‐scale convection during the North American monsoon
Authors: Mejia John F. , Douglas Michael W. , Lamb Peter J. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThis article consists of a comprehensive climatological study of moisture surges (MSs) in the North American monsoon (NAM) core region using a multiyear (1990–2006) set of surges, surface and upper air data, satellite‐estimated mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), and North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) products. Composites of surges are created with respect to MCSs occurrence in the NAM core region. MSs are further stratified based on co‐occurrence with tropical easterly waves and tropical storms/tropical cyclones. These results provide new insights into the nature of the Gulf of California (GoC) moisture flux variability and describe the influence of these multi‐scale processes on the occurrence and intensity of surges and the GoC diurnal circulations – especially the Gulf of California low‐level jet (GCLLJ). Results show that over the GoC Coastal Plain, MCSs modulate the diurnal cycle of the GoC low‐level circulation during ‘major surge’, ‘minor surge’, and ‘non‐surge’ environments. We found that MCS activity enhances the offshore flow along the eastern GoC coast, which then enhances the GCLLJ. On the other hand, immediately before major surges onset, the occurrence of MCSs over the southern GoC produces more intense surges. It is also shown that this relationship holds regardless of the intensity and type of tropical synoptic‐scale disturbance forcing the surge.
Sortable silt cycles in Svalbard slope sediments 74–0 ka
Authors: Jessen Simon P. , Rasmussen Tine L. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThe grain size of sortable silt (SS, 10–63 μm) was studied in sediment core JM04‐025PC from a sediment drift on the lower part of the western Svalbard slope. The study aims to reconstruct the bottom current activity and intermediate water circulation in the Greenland Sea. The SS record covers the last 74 ka and shows consistent millennial‐scale oscillations in grain size. The youngest part of the record (<25 ka) is well correlated with the few available previously published reconstructions of grain size from the North Atlantic Ocean and the Nordic seas. Fining of SS occurs during four well‐known regional cold climatic intervals, the 8.2‐ka cold spell, the Younger Dryas and North Atlantic Heinrich Events H1 and H2, as well as during a local meltwater event at 14.4–14.7 ka, possibly coinciding with the Older Dryas. Also before 25 ka, grain size oscillated in pace with the Northern Hemisphere climate with finer grain sizes during cold periods and coarser grain sizes during warm periods. The fining of SS indicates reduced bottom current strength and reduced water exchange between the Greenland Sea and the Arctic Ocean during regional climate cooling events, and probably also reduced deep ocean convection in the Greenland Sea gyre.
The impact of transoral robotic surgery on the overall treatment of oropharyngeal cancer patients
Authors: Smith Richard V. , Schiff Bradley A. , Garg Madhur , Haigentz Missak 
Published: October 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess adjuvant therapy in patients undergoing surgical management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCCA) with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and neck dissection.Study DesignA prospective, nonrandomized, consecutive patient series from two separate protocols in a tertiary academic medical center.MethodsPatients undergoing treatment for OPSCCA were selected from a prospective protocol evaluating functional and oncologic outcomes following TORS with a comparator group of OPSCCA patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) participating in a separate prospective protocol.ResultsForty‐two patients represented the TORS group and 38 the CRT group. Twenty (48%) of the TORS patients received surgery only, whereas nine (21%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy and 13 (31%) adjuvant CRT. Adjuvant therapy patients had a higher overall T (P =.0007) and N (P < .0001) stage than the TORS‐only group. Surgery resulted in stage changes in 18 (43%) patients, leading to alteration in therapy for nine (21%) patients. The 3‐year overall survival (OS), disease‐specific survival (DSS), and locoregional control was 74% versus 90% (P = .30), 94% versus 94% (P = .91), and 72% versus 91% (P = .19) for the TORS‐alone versus TORS plus adjuvant therapy groups, respectively. Comparison with the CRT group revealed a survival benefit in the TORS group approaching significance, with a 3‐year OS of 83% versus 57% (P = .06) and DSS of 94% versus 85% (P = .08), respectively.ConclusionsPrimary surgical management of OPSCCA with TORS and neck dissection provides accurate staging information, which can lead to the appropriate selection of subsequent therapy. This approach does not compromise survival and warrants additional investigation.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 125:S1–S15, 2015
Characterization of Mycobacterium smegmatis sigF mutant and its regulon: overexpression of SigF antagonist (MSMEG_1803) in M. smegmatis mimics sigF mutant phenotype, loss of pigmentation, and sensitivity to oxidative stress
Authors: Singh Anirudh K. , Dutta Debashis , Singh Vandana , Srivastava Vishal , Biswas Rajesh K. , Singh Bhupendra N. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn Mycobacterium smegmatis, sigF is widely expressed during different growth stages and plays role in adaptation to stationary phase and oxidative stress. Using a sigF deletion mutant of M. smegmatis mc2155, we demonstrate that SigF is not essential for growth of bacterium. Deletion of sigF results in loss of carotenoid pigmentation which rendered increased susceptibility to H2O2 induced oxidative stress in M. smegmatis. SigF modulates the cell surface architecture and lipid biosynthesis extending the repertoire of SigF function in this species. M. smegmatis SigF regulon included variety of genes expressed during exponential and stationary phases of growth and those responsible for oxidative stress, lipid biosynthesis, energy, and central intermediary metabolism. Furthermore, we report the identification of a SigF antagonist, an anti‐sigma factor (RsbW), which upon overexpression in M. smegmatis wild type strain produced a phenotype similar to M. smegmatis mc2155 ΔsigF strain. The SigF‐anti‐SigF interaction is duly validated using bacterial two‐hybrid and pull down assays. In addition, anti‐sigma factor antagonists, RsfA and RsfB were identified and their interactions with anti‐sigma factor were experimentally validated. Identification of these proteins will help decode regulatory circuit of this alternate sigma factor.
A distinctive oral phenotype points to FAM20A mutations not identified by Sanger sequencing
Authors: Poulter James A. , Smith Claire E. L. , Murrillo Gina , Silva Sandra , Feather Sally , Howell Marianella , Crinnion Laura , Bonthron David T. , Carr Ian M. , Watson Christopher M. , Inglehearn Chris F. , Mighell Alan J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBiallelic FAM20A mutations cause two conditions where Amelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) is the presenting feature: Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Gingival Fibromatosis Syndrome; and Enamel Renal Syndrome. A distinctive oral phenotype is shared in both conditions. On Sanger sequencing of FAM20A in cases with that phenotype, we identified two probands with single, likely pathogenic heterozygous mutations. Given the recessive inheritance pattern seen in all previous FAM20A mutation‐positive families and the potential for renal disease, further screening was carried out to look for a second pathogenic allele. Reverse transcriptase‐PCR on cDNA was used to determine transcript levels. CNVseq was used to screen for genomic insertions and deletions. In one family, FAM20A cDNA screening revealed only a single mutated FAM20A allele with the wild‐type allele not transcribed. In the second family, CNV detection by whole genome sequencing (CNVseq) revealed a heterozygous 54.7 kb duplication encompassing exons 1 to 4 of FAM20A. This study confirms the link between biallelic FAM20A mutations and the characteristic oral phenotype. It highlights for the first time examples of FAM20A mutations missed by the most commonly used mutation screening techniques. This information informed renal assessment and ongoing clinical care.
Patient perceptions of nurse mentors facilitating the Aussie Heart Guide: A home‐based cardiac rehabilitation programme for rural patients.
Authors: Frohmader Terence John , Lin Frances , Chaboyer Wendy 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo explore and describe long‐term thoughts and perceptions of the Aussie Heart Guide Programme including the role of the mentor, held by patients recovering from myocardial infarction.DesignA qualitative design.MethodsThirteen patients recovering from myocardial infarction who were unable to attend a hospital‐based or affiliated outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme were interviewed by telephone at the completion of the programme and asked to describe the relationship with their assigned nurse mentor and their perception of the audiovisual used in the programme.ResultsThree themes emerged; assisting me to cope, supporting me and my family and tailoring the programme to my needs. Patients were satisfied with the programme and appreciative of the supportive and caring relationships provided by mentors during their hospitalization through to their discharge from the programme.
Structure of the N‐terminal domain of the metalloprotease PrtV from Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Edwin Aaron , Persson Cecilia , Mayzel Maxim , Wai Sun Nyunt , Öhman Anders , Karlsson B. Göran , Sauer‐Eriksson A. Elisabeth 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe metalloprotease PrtV from Vibrio cholerae serves an important function for the ability of bacteria to invade the mammalian host cell. The protein belongs to the family of M6 proteases, with a characteristic zinc ion in the catalytic active site. PrtV constitutes a 918 amino acids (102 kDa) multidomain pre‐pro‐protein that undergoes several N‐ and C‐terminal modifications to form a catalytically active protease. We report here the NMR structure of the PrtV N‐terminal domain (residues 23–103) that contains two short α‐helices in a coiled coil motif. The helices are held together by a cluster of hydrophobic residues. Approximately 30 residues at the C‐terminal end, which were predicted to form a third helical structure, are disordered. These residues are highly conserved within the genus Vibrio, which suggests that they might be functionally important.
Adaptive finite‐time control for nonlinear teleoperation systems with asymmetric time‐varying delays
Authors: Zhai Di‐Hua , Xia Yuanqing 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis paper addresses the adaptive finite‐time control problem of nonlinear teleoperation system in the presence of asymmetric time‐varying delays. To achieve the finite‐time position tracking, a novel adaptive finite‐time coordination algorithm based on subsystem decomposition is developed. By introducing a switching‐technique‐based error filtering into our design framework, the complete closed‐loop master (slave) teleoperation system is modeled as a special class of switched system, which is composed of two subsystems. To analyze such system, a finite‐time state‐independent input‐to‐output stability criterion is first developed for some normal switched nonlinear delayed systems. Then based on the classical Lyapunov–Krasovskii method, the stability of complete closed‐loop systems is obtained. It is shown that the proposed scheme can make the position errors converge into a deterministic domain in finite time when the robots continuously contact with human operator and/or the environment in the presence of asymmetric time‐varying delays. Finally, the simulation results are given to demonstrate the effectiveness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Energy compensation‐based approach for solving the HJI equation in the nonlinear H∞ synthesis
Authors: Han C. , Guo J. , Pechev A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe H∞ framework provides an efficient and systemic method for the design of controllers for both linear and nonlinear systems. In the nonlinear controller synthesis, however, the limitation of this method is usually associated with the existence of a solution to the Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaac (HJI) equation. In this paper, an innovative energy compensation‐based approach to the solution of the HJI equations is presented and compared with the existing methods relying on Taylor series expansion. This new approach provides an efficient methodology that ensures the existence of a solution to the HJI equation. Numerical application to spacecraft attitude control is presented to validate the developments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zooming in: A practical manual for identifying geographic clusters
Authors: Alcácer Juan , Zhao Minyuan 
Published: October 2015

Research summary: This paper advances strategic management research by taking a close look at the reasons, procedures, and results of cluster identification methods, focusing on a density‐based algorithm that organically define clusters from actual locations of economic activities. Despite being a popular research topic and analytical tool, geographic clusters are often studied with little consideration given to the underlying economic activities, the unique cluster boundaries, or the appropriate benchmark of economic concentration. Our goal is to increase awareness of the complexities behind cluster identification, and to provide concrete insights and methodologies applicable to various empirical settings. The method we propose is especially useful when researchers work in global settings, where data available at different geographic units complicates comparisons across countries.Managerial summary: Geographic proximity has been recognized as a fundamental factor driving firm performance, especially in knowledge‐intensive industries. However, despite increasing interest in the study of geographic clusters—locations with a high concentration of economic activity—we as researchers have not given sufficient consideration to the underlying economic activity, the unique cluster boundaries, or even the definition of economic concentration. In this paper, we carefully examined the existing methodologies for cluster identification and proposed a method that defines clusters based on the actual location of economic activity. This new method is applicable to various empirical settings beyond geographic clusters. In addition, because clusters are defined by actual economic activity rather than administrative boundaries, it allows for meaningful comparison across countries. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scientific apophenia in strategic management research: Significance tests & mistaken inference
Authors: Goldfarb Brent , King Andrew A. 
Published: October 2015

Research summary: This article uses distributional matching and posterior predictive checks to estimate the extent of false and inflated findings in empirical research on strategic management. Based on a sample of 300 papers in top outlets for research on strategic management, we estimate that if each study were repeated, 24–40 percent of significant coefficients would become insignificant at the five percent level. Our best guess is that for about half of these, the true coefficient is very close to 0. The remaining coefficients are likely directionally correct but inflated in magnitude. We offer several practical individual and field level suggestions for reducing scientific apophenia, that is, our tendency to find and publish evidence of order where none exists.Managerial summary: This article analyzes the degree to which statistics in research on strategic management provide meaningful evidence for decision-making. Based on a sample of 300 papers, we estimate that 24%–40% of reported results would probably not be confirmed if the study were repeated. Our best guess is that about half of the reported results are wrong (B∼ = 0) and the other half of results too weak to find repeatedly. We conclude that scientific apophenia—the tendency to find evidence of order where none exists—is a serious problem in the literature on strategic management. We recommend replication of empirical studies to insure that they provide evidence for guiding managers. We also provide guidance for avoiding scientific apophenia in empirical research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.