bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape consequences of aggregation rules for functional equivalence in compensatory mitigation programs
Authors: Accatino Francesco , Creed Irena F. , Weber Marian
Published: January 2018

Mitigation and offset programs designed to compensate for ecosystem function losses due to development must balance losses from affected ecosystems with gains in restored ecosystems. Aggregation rules applied to ecosystem functions to assess site equivalence are based on implicit assumptions about the substitutability of functions among sites and can profoundly influence the distribution of restored ecosystem functions on the landscape. We investigated the consequences of rules applied to the aggregation of ecosystem functions for wetland offsets in the Beaverhill watershed in Alberta, Canada. We considered the fate of 3 ecosystem functions: hydrology, water purification, and biodiversity. We set up an affect‐and‐offset algorithm to simulate the effect of aggregation rules on ecosystem function for wetland offsets. Cobenefits and trade‐offs among functions and the constraints posed by the quantity and quality of restorable sites resulted in a redistribution of functions between affected and offset wetlands. Hydrology and water purification functions were positively correlated with one another and negatively correlated with biodiversity function. Weighted‐average rules did not replace functions in proportion to their weights. Rules prioritizing biodiversity function led to more monofunctional wetlands and landscapes. The minimum rule, for which the wetland score was equal to the worst performing function, promoted multifunctional wetlands and landscapes. The maximum rule, for which the wetland score was equal to the best performing function, promoted monofunctional wetlands and multifunctional landscapes. Because of implicit trade‐offs among ecosystem functions, no‐net‐loss objectives for multiple functions should be constructed within a landscape context. Based on our results, we suggest criteria for the design of aggregation rules for no net loss of ecosystem functions within a landscape context include the concepts of substitutability, cobenefits and trade‐offs, landscape constraints, heterogeneity, and the precautionary principle.
Both rare and common species make unique contributions to functional diversity in an ecosystem unaffected by human activities
Authors: Chapman Abbie S. A. , Tunnicliffe Verena , Bates Amanda E.
Published: January 2018

Aim

Rare species typically contribute more to functional diversity than common species. However, humans have altered the occupancy and abundance patterns of many species—the basis upon which we define “rarity.” Here, we use a globally unique dataset from hydrothermal vents—an untouched ecosystem—to test whether rare species over‐contribute to functional diversity.

Location

Juan de Fuca Ridge hydrothermal vent fields, Northeast Pacific Ocean.

Methods

We first conduct a comprehensive review to set up expectations for the relative contributions of rare and common species to functional diversity. We then quantify the rarity and commonness of 37 vent species with relevant trait information to assess the relationship between rarity and functional distinctiveness—a measure of the uniqueness of the traits of a species relative to traits of coexisting species. Next, we randomly assemble communities to test whether rare species over‐contribute to functional diversity in artificial assemblages ranging in species richness. Then, we test whether biotic interactions influence functional diversity contributions by comparing the observed contribution of each species to a null expectation. Finally, we identify traits driving functional distinctiveness using a distance‐based redundancy analysis.

Results

Across functional diversity metrics and species richness levels, we find that both rare and common species can contribute functional uniqueness. Some species always offer unique trait combinations, and these species host bacterial symbionts and provide habitat complexity. Moreover, we find that contributions of species to functional diversity may be influenced by biotic interactions.

Main conclusions

Our findings show that many common species make persistent, unique contributions to functional diversity. Thus, it is key to consider whether the abundance and occupancy of species have been reduced, relative to historical baselines, when interpreting the contributions of rare species to functional diversity. Our work highlights the importance of testing ecological theory in ecosystems unaffected by human activities for the conservation of biodiversity.
A review of GLP‐1 receptor agonists: Evolution and advancement, through the lens of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Aroda Vanita R.
Published: January 2018

Aims

To review the evolution and advancement of GLP‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA) therapy, through the lens of randomised controlled trials, from differentiating characteristics, efficacy, safety, tolerability, and cardiovascular outcomes, to evidence gaps and next steps.

Methods

Clinical review of published phase 3 or later RCT data studying efficacy, safety, and outcomes of approved GLP‐1 RA therapies.

Results

Through a wealth of studies, including both placebo‐controlled and active‐controlled studies, GLP‐1 RAs have demonstrated high glycemic efficacy and ability to facilitate weight loss, with minimal risk of hypoglycemia, potential to restore beta cell function, and evidence for improved cardiovascular outcomes in those at risk.

Conclusions

Over a decade of clinical studies have established the unique contributions of GLP‐1 RAs in the treatment of diabetes. Individual differences between the different GLP‐1 RAs, in delivery, pharmacokinetic and clinical effects, exist, allowing for tailored approaches to clinical care. The strength of evidence generated through RCTs, both short‐term and long‐term studies, will continue to evolve and inform our current paradigms in diabetes care.
Synchronization of intrinsic 0.1‐Hz blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent oscillations in amygdala and prefrontal cortex in subjects with increased state anxiety
Authors: Pfurtscheller Gert , Schwerdtfeger Andreas , Seither‐Preisler Annemarie , Brunner Clemens , Aigner Christoph Stefan , Calisto João , Gens João , Andrade Alexandre
Published: January 2018

Low‐frequency oscillations with a dominant frequency at 0.1 Hz are one of the most influential intrinsic blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals. This raises the question if vascular BOLD oscillations (originating from blood flow in the brain) and intrinsic slow neural activity fluctuations (neural BOLD oscillations) can be differentiated. In this study, we report on two different approaches: first, on computing the phase‐locking value in the frequency band 0.07–0.13 Hz between heart beat‐to‐beat interval (RRI) and BOLD oscillations and second, between multiple BOLD oscillations (functional connectivity) in four resting states in 23 scanner‐naïve, anxious healthy subjects. The first method revealed that vascular 0.1‐Hz BOLD oscillations preceded those in RRI signals by 1.7 ± 0.6 s and neural BOLD oscillations lagged RRI oscillations by 0.8 ± 0.5 s. Together, vascular BOLD oscillations preceded neural BOLD oscillations by ~90° or ~2.5 s. To verify this discrimination, connectivity patterns of neural and vascular 0.1‐Hz BOLD oscillations were compared in 26 regions involved in processing of emotions. Neural BOLD oscillations revealed significant phase‐coupling between amygdala and medial frontal cortex, while vascular BOLD oscillations showed highly significant phase‐coupling between amygdala and multiple regions in the supply areas of the anterior and medial cerebral arteries. This suggests that not only slow neural and vascular BOLD oscillations can be dissociated but also that two strategies may exist to optimize regulation of anxiety, that is increased functional connectivity between amygdala and medial frontal cortex, and increased cerebral blood flow in amygdala and related structures.
Understanding the dominant controls on biochar decomposition using boosted regression trees
Authors: Chao L. , Zhang W. D. , Wang S. L.
Published: January 2018

Extensive studies have been carried out to investigate the decomposition of biochar. Biochar properties, soil characteristics and incubation conditions are considered key factors that control the rate of biochar decomposition. However, the relative contributions of these factors to its decomposition remain unknown. Approximately 812 individual measurements of the rate of biochar decomposition were collected from 23 studies involving 13C or 14C isotope techniques to evaluate the effects of incubation conditions, soil characteristics and biochar properties on its decomposition with a boosted regression tree (BRT) model. The BRT model accounted for 95% of the variation in biochar decomposition. Incubation conditions, soil characteristics and biochar properties accounted for 41, 31 and 28% of variation in the rate of biochar decomposition, respectively. The most important single predictor of biochar decomposition was incubation time (contributing 33% to the rate), followed by soil carbon: nitrogen (C:N) ratio (9%), pyrolysis time (9%), soil N content (8%) and biochar C content (7%). The rate of decomposition of biochar decreased with time for incubation times less than 1 year. Soil with a large C content and a small C:N ratio resulted in a large rate of biochar decomposition. Type of feedstock and biochar N content had little or no effect on biochar decomposition. Our results provide further insight into the factors that affect biochar decomposition and quantify the relative contributions of these factors to it.

Highlights

We studied the dominant factors that control biochar decomposition with BRT modelling.

We quantified relative contributions of incubation conditions, soil characteristics and biochar properties to biochar decomposition.

Rate of biochar decomposition explained by incubation conditions (41%), soil characteristics (31%) and biochar properties (28%).

The most important predictor of biochar decomposition was incubation time.
Impact of Both Local Item Dependencies and Cut‐Point Locations on Examinee Classifications
Authors: Rubright Jonathan D.
Published: January 2018

Performance assessments, scenario‐based tasks, and other groups of items carry a risk of violating the local item independence assumption made by unidimensional item response theory (IRT) models. Previous studies have identified negative impacts of ignoring such violations, most notably inflated reliability estimates. Still, the influence of this violation on examinee ability estimates has been comparatively neglected. It is known that such item dependencies cause low‐ability examinees to have their scores overestimated and high‐ability examinees' scores underestimated. However, the impact of these biases on examinee classification decisions has been little examined. In addition, because the influence of these dependencies varies along the underlying ability continuum, whether or not the location of the cut‐point is important in regard to correct classifications remains unanswered. This simulation study demonstrates that the strength of item dependencies and the location of an examination systems’ cut‐points both influence the accuracy (i.e., the sensitivity and specificity) of examinee classifications. Practical implications of these results are discussed in terms of false positive and false negative classifications of test takers.
Improving e‐learning recommendation by using background knowledge
Authors: Mbipom Blessing , Craw Susan , Massie Stewart
Published: January 2018

There is currently a large amount of e‐Learning resources available to learners on the Web. However, learners often have difficulty finding and retrieving relevant materials to support their learning goals because they lack the domain knowledge to craft effective queries that convey what they wish to learn. In addition, the unfamiliar vocabulary often used by domain experts makes it difficult to map a learner's query to a relevant learning material. We address these challenges by introducing an innovative method that automatically builds background knowledge for a learning domain. In creating our method, we exploit a structured collection of teaching materials as a guide for identifying the important domain concepts. We enrich the identified concepts with discovered text from an encyclopedia, thereby increasing the richness of our acquired knowledge. We employ the developed background knowledge for influencing the representation and retrieval of learning resources to improve e‐Learning recommendation. The effectiveness of our method is evaluated using a collection of Machine Learning and Data Mining papers. Our method outperforms the benchmark, demonstrating the advantage of using background knowledge for improving the representation and recommendation of e‐Learning materials.
Drivers of the upper River Amazon giant catfish fishery
Authors: Batista V. S. , Alonso J. C. , Ladle R. J. , Fabré N. N.
Published: January 2018

Artisanal fishers of the upper reaches of the Amazon River use a variety of tactics to catch giant Brachyplatystoma catfish species: Brachyplatystoma vaillantii Valenciennes, Brachyplatystoma rouseauxii (Castelnau) and Brachyplatystoma filamentosum (Lichtenstein). These catfish are migratory, caught with different gears, by different communities, and influenced by temporal and spatial changes in river conditions. Facing these factors, it was hypothesised that the catfish fishery yields in the headwaters of the Amazon are determined by fishing tactics efficiency, riverscape features and governance basis. Data on catfish yields were collected from two contrasting riverscapes (rapids and floodplains) in the most important Amazonian affluent in Colombia—the Caquetá River. Results indicated that: (1) catfish yield was strongly associated with fishing effort in both riverscapes, (2) seasonal drivers play an essential influence in the high rapids reach, and river level in the low floodplain reach, (3) community strategies affected yield, although the effect is different depending on the gear used as the environment profile affects enforcement. Based on the results, it was concluded that efficient upstream management of these species should combine specific measures for each riverscape with an integrated approach to the river production system that considers catfishes longitudinal migrations and the growth overfishing occurring in the Amazon estuary.
Deformation behaviour of aged coronal dentin
Authors: Montoya Carolina , Arola Dwayne , Ossa Edgar Alexander
Published: January 2018

Objective

This study aimed to identify the changes in the time‐dependent deformation response of coronal dentin with ageing and its relationship with changes in chemical composition.

Background

The structural behaviour of dentin with ageing is affected by changes in the density and diameter of its dentinal tubules (ie porosity), as well as changes in chemical composition throughout the tooth. However, little is known about the time‐dependent deformation behaviour of aged dentin and the importance of its hierarchical structure and variations in chemical composition.

Materials and methods

The spherical indentation response of aged coronal dentin was analysed in the outer, middle and inner regions, and its time‐dependent deformation response was modelled in terms of its microstructure and chemical composition using a model recently proposed for young dentin.

Results

The viscous deformation behaviour of aged dentin followed a power‐law response with a decrease in the stress exponent when compared to young dentin. These results can be explained by cross‐linking of the collagen present in the tissue.

Conclusion

A decrease in the deformation ability of aged dentin was found. This behaviour could be a result of a dissolution process and reprecipitation of the minerals present in intertubular dentin into the dentinal tubules.
Comparative study of Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of concomitant therapy vs modified quadruple therapy comprising proton‐pump inhibitor, bismuth, amoxicillin, and metronidazole in Korea
Authors: Choe Jung Wan , Jung Sung Woo , Kim Seung Young , Hyun Jong Jin , Jung Young Kul , Koo Ja Seol , Yim Hyung Joon , Lee Sang Woo
Published: January 2018

Background

The standard triple Helicobacter pylori regimen now shows unacceptably low treatment success in Korea. Administration of the concomitant therapy for 10 days, which has a high cure rate, is recommended as an alternative first‐line treatment in areas of high clarithromycin resistance including Korea. Recently, modified bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy with amoxicillin (PAM‐B therapy) showed excellent results, regardless of dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance. This study compared the concomitant therapy with PAM‐B therapy as a first‐line treatment for H. pylori infection.

Method

Subjects infected with H. pylori and naïve to treatment were performed a head‐to‐head comparison between 10‐day concomitant therapy [rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily] and 14‐day PAM‐B therapy [rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, metronidazole 750 mg, and tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 600 mg (elemental bismuth 240 mg) twice daily]. Six weeks after treatment, H. pylori eradication was assessed.

Results

Two hundred and seventy subjects were randomized. Both regimens achieved high cure rates: 83.0% (112/135) and 88.1% (119/135) by the intention‐to‐treat analysis and 95.5% (106/111) and 96.6% (114/118) by the per‐protocol analysis, respectively. The intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses revealed no statistically significant difference in the eradication rate (P = .299 and P = .743, respectively). Rates of adverse events were similar between groups (25.2% vs 23.0%, P ‐value: .776) Adverse events, which resulted in poor compliance, occurred in six patients of each group, but there were no serious complications.

Conclusions

PAM‐B therapy is as effective as concomitant therapy for eradicating H. pylori with comparative safety. PAM‐B therapy is regarded as a promising alternative to standard triple therapy for a first‐line eradication in Korea.
Amplification of FRS2 in atypical lipomatous tumour/well‐differentiated liposarcoma and de‐differentiated liposarcoma: a clinicopathological and genetic study of 146 cases
Authors: Jing Wenyi , Lan Ting , Chen Huijiao , Zhang Zhang , Chen Min , Peng Ran , He Xin , Zhang Hongying
Published: January 2018

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of FRS2 amplification and its relationship with the clinicopathological features of atypical lipomatous tumour (ALT)/well‐differentiated liposarcoma (WDL)/de‐differentiated liposarcoma (DDL).

Methods and results

FRS2 and MDM2 fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH) was performed on 146 tumours (70 ALT/WDLs and 76 DDLs). One hundred and eight control samples were included for FRS2 analysis. FRS2 amplification was detected in 136 of 146 (93.2%) ALT/WDL/DDLs, including 63 ALT/WDLs and 73 DDLs. A higher FRS2/CEP12 ratio was observed in DDLs than in ALT/WDLs (P = 0.0005). The FRS2/CEP12 ratio of peripheral tumours was lower than that of central tumours (P = 0.00004). All the ALT/WDL/DDLs showed MDM2 amplification (100%). The MDM2+/FRS2− series included seven ALT/WDLs and three DDLs. Four of seven (57.1%) MDM2+/FRS2− ALT/WDLs occurred in peripheral sites, slightly higher than the percentage of MDM2+/FRS2+ ALT/WDLs (28 of 63, 44.4%). All the three MDM2+/FRS2− DDLs (100%) were peripheral tumours, a much higher proportion than that of MDM2+/FRS2+ DDLs (10 of 73, 13.7%). A high percentage of homologous pleomorphic liposarcoma‐like DDLs (two of three) were observed in the MDM2+/FRS2− group. In the control group all the parosteal osteosarcomas (five of five, 100%) were FRS2 amplified, whereas the remaining 103 samples were FRS2 non‐amplified.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that FRS2 is amplified consistently in ALT/WDL/DDLs and offer another avenue for the investigation of the biology of this tumour group. MDM2+/FRS2− cases seem to be associated with certain clinicopathological features, and further investigation is needed.
Patient perspectives on de‐simplifying their single‐tablet co‐formulated antiretroviral therapy for societal cost savings
Authors: Krentz HB , Campbell S , Gill VC , Gill MJ
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The incremental costs of expanding antiretroviral (ARV) drug treatment to all HIV‐infected patients are substantial, so cost‐saving initiatives are important. Our objectives were to determine the acceptability and financial impact of de‐simplifying (i.e. switching) more expensive single‐tablet formulations (STFs) to less expensive generic‐based multi‐tablet components. We determined physician and patient perceptions and acceptance of STF de‐simplification within the context of a publicly funded ARV budget.

Methods

Programme costs were calculated for patients on ARVs followed at the Southern Alberta Clinic, Canada during 2016 (Cdn$). We focused on patients receiving Triumeq® and determined the savings if patients de‐simplified to eligible generic co‐formulations. We surveyed all prescribing physicians and a convenience sample of patients taking Triumeq® to see if, for budgetary purposes, they felt that de‐simplification would be acceptable.

Results

Of 1780 patients receiving ARVs, 62% (n = 1038) were on STF; 58% (n = 607) of patients on STF were on Triumeq®. The total annual cost of ARVs was $26 222 760. The cost for Triumeq® was $8 292 600. If every patient on Triumeq® switched to generic abacavir/lamivudine and Tivicay® (dolutegravir), total costs would decrease by $4 325 040. All physicians (n = 13) felt that de‐simplifying could be safely achieved. Forty‐eight per cent of 221 patients surveyed were agreeable to de‐simplifying for altruistic reasons, 27% said no, and 25% said maybe.

Conclusions

De‐simplifying Triumeq® generates large cost savings. Additional savings could be achieved by de‐simplifying other STFs. Both physicians and patients agreed that selective de‐simplification was acceptable; however, it may not be acceptable to every patient. Monitoring the medical and cost impacts of de‐simplification strategies seems warranted.
Phylogenetic affinities of the enigmatic Bare‐faced Bulbul Pycnonotus hualon with description of a new genus
Authors: Fuchs Jérôme , Pasquet Eric , Stuart Bryan L. , Woxvold Iain A. , Duckworth J. W. , Bowie Rauri C. K.
Published: January 2018

The recently described Bare‐faced Bulbul Pycnonotus hualon from Lao PDR has a very distinct morphology and habitat (karsts). Mitochondrial and nuclear data from the type material demonstrated that P. hualon is sister to members of the genus Spizixos. To highlight its unique morphology and phylogenetic distinctiveness, we describe a new monotypic genus for the Bare‐faced Bulbul.
Development of a stiffness‐angle law for simplifying the measurement of human hair stiffness
Authors: Jung I. K. , Park S. C. , Lee Y. R. , Bin S. A. , Hong Y. D. , Eun D. , Lee J. H. , Roh Y. S. , Kim B. M.
Published: January 2018

Objective

This research examines the benefits of caffeine absorption on hair stiffness. To test hair stiffness, we have developed an evaluation method that is not only accurate, but also inexpensive. Our evaluation method for measuring hair stiffness culminated in a model, called the Stiffness‐Angle Law, which describes the elastic properties of hair and can be widely applied to the development of hair care products.

Methods

Small molecules (≤500 g mol−1) such as caffeine can be absorbed into hair. A common shampoo containing 4% caffeine was formulated and applied to hair 10 times, after which the hair stiffness was measured. The caffeine absorption of the treated hair was observed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a focal plane array (FPA) detector. Our evaluation method for measuring hair stiffness consists of a regular camera and a support for single strands of hair. After attaching the hair to the support, the bending angle of the hair was observed with a camera and measured. Then, the hair strand was weighed. The stiffness of the hair was calculated based on our proposed Stiffness‐Angle Law using three variables: angle, weight of hair and the distance the hair was pulled across the support.

Results

The caffeine absorption was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The concentration of amide bond in the hair certainly increased due to caffeine absorption. After caffeine was absorbed into the hair, the bending angle and weight of the hair changed. Applying these measured changes to the Stiffness‐Angle Law, it was confirmed that the hair stiffness increased by 13.2% due to caffeine absorption.

Conclusion

The theoretical results using the Stiffness‐Angle Law agree with the visual examinations of hair exposed to caffeine and also the known results of hair stiffness from a previous report. Our evaluation method combined with our proposed Stiffness‐Angle Law effectively provides an accurate and inexpensive evaluation technique for measuring bending stiffness of human hair.
Bioactive sol‐gel glasses: Processing, properties, and applications
Authors: Baino Francesco , Fiume Elisa , Miola Marta , Verné Enrica
Published: January 2018

Sol‐gel route has shown its enormous potential in tissue engineering applications as an advantageous method for the production of bioactive glasses aimed at regenerating both hard and soft tissues. This review discusses the chemical aspects of the method with emphasis on the morphological, chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of sol‐gel derived materials. The attention will be particularly focused on sol‐gel bioactive glasses and sol‐gel foam scaffolds for bone regeneration. The advantages deriving from the versatility of the sol‐gel method compared to the traditional melt‐quenching route will be underlined in terms of bioactivity, compositions, and processing parameters.
Long‐term pediatric skin eruption‐related hospitalizations in offspring conceived via fertility treatment
Authors: Krieger Yuval , Wainstock Tamar , Sheiner Eyal , Harlev Avi , Landau Daniella , Horev Amir , Bogdanov‐Berezovsky Alexander , Walfisch Asnat
Published: January 2018

Background

Although concerns have been raised regarding the long‐term health risks of offspring conceived following fertility treatments, limited information is available regarding their health status beyond the neonatal period. We aimed to evaluate the risk of long‐term eruptive dermatological morbidity among children born following fertility treatments as compared to those conceived spontaneously.

Methods

A population‐based cohort study was conducted, including all singleton deliveries occurring between the years 1991 and 2014 at a single tertiary medical center. Fetuses with congenital malformations and multiple gestations were excluded. Children delivered following fertility treatment pregnancies and spontaneous pregnancies were compared. Hospitalizations of the offspring up to the age of 18 years involving cutaneous eruptions were evaluated. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to compare cumulative morbidity incidence and a Cox regression model to control for confounders.

Results

During the study period, 242,187 singleton deliveries met the inclusion criteria, 1.8% of which were following fertility treatments (n = 4324). Eruptive dermatological morbidity of the offspring up to the age of 18 years was significantly more common in the fertility treatment group (1.5%) as compared to spontaneous pregnancies (1.1%; P = 0.023). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve demonstrated a significantly higher cumulative incidence of eruptive dermatological morbidity following fertility treatments (log‐rank P = 0.007). Using the Cox regression model, while controlling for multiple confounders, fertility treatment was noted as an independent risk factor for long‐term pediatric eruptive dermatological morbidity (adjusted HR = 1.43, CI 1.12–1.83, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Singletons conceived via fertility treatments appear to be at an increased risk for long‐term eruptive dermatological morbidity.
Gender and health among older people: What is the role of social policies?
Authors: Högberg Björn
Published: January 2018

The study investigated how social policies moderate the association between gender and health among older people across European countries. The study is the first to take a comprehensive view on the role of social policies in connection with gender inequality in health among older Europeans. The association between gender and poor self‐rated health and limiting long‐standing illness was investigated in a multilevel framework. Cross‐level interaction effects showed that more generous minimum pensions, higher spending on eldercare and a higher degree of eldercare formalisation are associated with relatively better health among women, while more generous standard pensions are associated with relatively better health among men. The conclusion is that policies directed towards older people are not gender neutral; rather they are likely to affect men and women differently. By shaping the distribution of resources as well as of unpaid work, social policies can contribute to either strengthening or weakening the link between gender and health.
Water vapor thermal treatment effects on spark plasma sintered nanostructured ferritic alloy‐silicon carbide systems
Authors: Ning Kaijie , Lu Kathy
Published: January 2018

Spark plasma sintered pure silicon carbide (SiC) and nanostructured ferritic alloy‐silicon carbide (NFA‐SiC) systems are investigated in a water vapor containing air atmosphere at elevated temperatures up to 1000°C. Both of them exhibit excellent corrosion resistance with a dense amorphous SiO2 layer as the main oxidation barrier. Crystalline α‐quartz and α‐cristobalite from the oxidation of silicides and SiC, respectively, further benefit the corrosion resistance. For the new NFA‐SiC system, the original graphite and silicide phases can be desirably sustained. The NFA‐SiC materials have promising applications in high temperature moist environments and are especially important for nuclear reactor cladding.
Chemical stability of superhard rhenium diboride at oxygen and moisture ambient environmental conditions prepared by mechanical milling
Authors: Granados‐Fitch Mizraim G. , Quintana‐Melgoza Juan M. , Juarez‐Arellano Erick A. , Avalos‐Borja Miguel
Published: January 2018

In this study, rhenium diboride (ReB2) was obtained by mechanosynthesis at 640 minutes of milling. The obtained ReB2 was stored at oxygen and moisture ambient environmental conditions to know the chemical stability. The results indicate that ReB2 is totally decomposed at oxygen and moisture ambient environmental conditions. Furthermore, the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of ReB2 samples after 26 months of storage shows that the final products of degradation are HReO4 (liquid), H3BO3, HBO2, and ReO3. Finally, a schematic diagram of the degradation sequence of ReB2 at oxygen and moisture ambient environmental conditions is proposed and validated with a thermodynamic analysis.
Dynamic species distribution models reveal spatiotemporal habitat shifts in native range‐expanding versus non‐native invasive birds in an urban area
Authors: Le Louarn Marine , Clergeau Philippe , Strubbe Diederik , Deschamps‐Cottin Magali
Published: January 2018

Urbanisation as a major driver of changes leads to the extinction of some species while others increase in abundance, especially non‐native species. Spatiotemporal distribution patterns of these successful species are likely to be shaped by their response and tolerance to urban features. This study assesses the anthropo‐ecological requirements of two co‐occurring bird species, the native range‐shifting jackdaw Corvus monedula and the non‐native invasive ring‐necked parakeet Psittacula krameri. We built yearly models over an eight‐year period using an ensemble modelling approach assessing response differences through time and between species. Predictors describing human‐made structures, socio‐ecological proxies and resources availability were extracted from temporally coincident databases. Dispersal and habitat constraints were implemented in final models to provide more realistic forecasts of species future distributions. Ensemble models evaluated with a random partition of the training dataset showed a higher accuracy than those evaluated with an independent dataset from another time period. Our results highlight temporal variations in the relative importance of predictors for both studied species. Single‐season occurrence data may thus be insufficient to characterize species ecological requirements. The ring‐necked parakeet and the jackdaw showed different responses to urban features. Jackdaws preferred the more urbanized part of the city while the distribution of parakeets was strongly positively associated with the density of exotic ornamental trees. We concluded that ring‐necked parakeet range expansion is likely to be driven by its effective ability to exploit urban resources which native species do not or under exploit, suggesting an open window of foraging opportunities. However, the jackdaw may be misled by a high cavity availability and a large amount of low‐quality anthropogenic food in the urban core. We suggest that dynamic SDMs are a critical tool not only to forecast the future expansion of invasive species but also for a better understanding of processes driving urban biodiversity persistence.
Renal denervation improves 24‐hour central and peripheral blood pressures, arterial stiffness, and peripheral resistance
Authors: Ott Christian , Franzen Klaas F. , Graf Tobias , Weil Joachim , Schmieder Roland E. , Reppel Michael , Mortensen Kai
Published: January 2018

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and central BP are better predictors for overall cardiovascular risk and mortality than brachial BP. Renal denervation (RDN) has been shown to reduce office brachial and central BP as well as brachial ambulatory BP, but data on central ambulatory BP are limited. Patients (N = 94) with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) who underwent RDN were included. Ambulatory BP, including central pressures, hemodynamics, and arterial stiffness were measured at baseline and 3, 6, 12 months after RDN by an oscillometric device (MobiloGraph™). At 3, 6, and 12‐month follow‐ups, brachial ambulatory BP was reduced (P for all < .001). Consistently, central ambulatory BP was reduced (P for all < .001). Ambulatory assessed averaged daytime pulse wave velocity improved after RDN (P < .05). Total vascular resistance decreased (P for all < .01). In patients with TRH, RDN improves brachial and central ambulatory BP, arterial stiffness, and total vascular resistance, indicating an improvement of cardiovascular outcome.
Association of toothbrushing and proximal cleaning with periodontal health among Korean adults: Results from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in year 2010 and 2012
Authors: Lee Jung‐Hoo , Shin Yoo‐Jin , Lee Jong‐Ho , Kim Hyun‐Duck
Published: January 2018

Aim

Toothbrushing (TB), dental flossing (DF) and inter‐dental brushing (IDB) are regarded as fundamental self‐care methods for periodontal health. Few evidences on its effectiveness on periodontal health are available. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the association of TB, DF, IDB and interaction effect with periodontal health.

Materials and Methods

The nationally representative 4,766 Korean adults aged 19 years and older were cross‐sectionally surveyed in 2010 and 2012. Periodontal health was defined as Community Periodontal Index 1–2 for gingivitis and 3–4 for periodontitis. The information about variables was from interview and blood analyses. Multivariable logistic regression analyses and the interaction effect between TB and proximal cleaning (PC: DF and/or IDB) were applied.

Results

Toothbrushing thrice or more per day and DF were associated with a lower prevalence of periodontitis by both 44%, while the preventive fraction of DF on gingivitis was 30%. The preventive fraction of interaction effects between TB thrice or more and PC were 78% for periodontitis and 68% for gingivitis among 40–59 year age group.

Conclusions

Toothbrushing and PC are independently associated with periodontal health. Hence, periodontists should recommend TB thrice or more per day and PC such as DF and IDB to promote periodontal health.
Microtensile bond strength of universal adhesives to flat versus Class I cavity dentin with pulpal pressure simulation
Authors: Lezaja Zebic Maja , Dzeletovic Bojan , Miletic Vesna
Published: January 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to test long‐term microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of 2 universal adhesives applied to dentin following “total‐etch” (TE) or “self‐etch” (SE) protocols and aged by direct or indirect water exposure using simulated pulpal pressure.

Materials and methods

Single Bond Universal (SBU, 3M ESPE) or Ipera Bond (IP, Itena) were applied to mid‐coronal dentin (“flat dentin”) or Class I cavity (“cavity dentin”) following TE or SE protocols in 112 extracted human third molars. Sixteen groups (n = 7 per group) were prepared, 8 groups for µTBS measurements after 24 hours, and further 8 groups for measurements after 6 months storage. “Cavity dentin” groups were subjected to simulated hydrostatic pulpal pressure of 15 cm H2O using a custom‐made device before cutting 1 × 1 mm sticks while “flat dentin” groups were cut into sticks and directly exposed to deionized water.

Results

Generally, the TE protocol resulted in highest µTBS values on flat dentin initially for both adhesives (general linear model, P < .05). Long‐term storage resulted in significantly lower µTBS values for the TE protocol (P < .05) while the SE protocol showed comparable values after 6 months (P > .05). “Cavity dentin” with simulated pulpal pressure resulted in lower µTBS than “flat dentin” (P < .05). For both adhesives, µTBS was in the range of 19‐42 MPa initially and 16‐36 MPa after 6 months storage.

Conclusions

µTBS to dentin of universal adhesives is more stable in the long term following the SE than TE protocol. Simulated pulpal pressure and cavity‐type sample preparation may be recommended for µTBS testing as a more clinically relevant strategy.

Clinical Significance

Microtensile bond strength to dentin of universal adhesives appears more stable following the “self‐etch” than “total‐etch” protocol after long‐term degradation. More clinically relevant data may be obtained using simulated pulpal pressure and cavity‐type sample preparation in the study design.
Mortality Risk Along the Frailty Spectrum: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2004
Authors: Crow Rebecca S. , Lohman Matthew C. , Titus Alexander J. , Bruce Martha L. , Mackenzie Todd A. , Bartels Stephen J. , Batsis John A.
Published: January 2018

Objectives

To determine the relationship between frailty and overall and cardiovascular mortality.

Design

Longitudinal mortality analysis.

Setting

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2004.

Participants

Community‐dwelling older adults aged 60 and older (N = 4,984; mean age 71.1 ± 0.19, 56% female).

Measurements

We used data from 1999–2004 cross‐sectional NHANES and mortality data from the National Death Index, updated through December 2011. An adapted version of Fried's frailty criteria was used (low body mass index, slow walking speed, weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity). Frailty was defined as persons meeting 3 or more criteria, prefrailty as meeting 1 or 2 criteria, and robust (reference) as not meeting any criteria. The primary outcome was to evaluate the association between frailty and overall and cardiovascular mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the association between risk of death and frailty category adjusted for age, sex, race, smoking, education, coronary artery disease, heart failure, nonskin cancer, diabetes, and arthritis.

Results

Half (50.4%) of participants were classified as robust, 40.3% as prefrail, and 9.2% as frail. Fully adjusted models demonstrated that prefrail (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.45–1.85) and frail (HR = 2.79, 95% CI = 2.35–3.30) participants had a greater risk of death and of cardiovascular death (prefrail: HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.45–2.34; frail: HR = 3.39, 95% CI = 2.45–4.70).

Conclusion

Frailty and prefrailty are associated with increased risk of death. Demonstrating the association between prefrail status and mortality is the first step to identifying potential targets of intervention in future studies.
A Case Discussion on Market‐Based Extended Producer Responsibility: The Minnesota Electronics Recycling Act
Authors: Alev Işıl , Huang Ximin (Natalie) , Atasu Atalay , Toktay L. Beril
Published: January 2018

In this article, we analyze the Minnesota Electronics Recycling Act to explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of a market‐based extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation implementation with operational flexibility for manufacturers. Based on publicly available reports and stakeholder interviews, we find that the Minnesota Act attains two key goals of market‐based EPR (i.e., higher cost efficiencies and substantial landfill diversion); however, this may come at the expense of selective collection and recycling, an increased burden on local governments, and a loss of balance in contractual power between stakeholders. We observe that these concerns arise because of specific flexibility provisions afforded to manufacturers that allow them to operationalize their EPR compliance with a cost‐efficiency focus. Thus, we conclude that EPR goals must be carefully translated into operating rules in order to achieve goals while avoiding unintended consequences.
Spin‐coated epoxy resin embedding technique enables facile SEM/FIB thickness determination of porous metal oxide ultra‐thin films
Authors: PEÑA B. , OWEN G.RH. , DETTELBACH K.E. , BERLINGUETTE C.P.
Published: January 2018

A facile nonsubjective method was designed to measure porous nonconductive iron oxide film thickness using a combination of a focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscopy. Iron oxide films are inherently nonconductive and porous, therefore the objective of this investigation was to optimize a methodology that would increase the conductivity of the film to facilitate high resolution imaging with a scanning electron microscopy and to preserve the porous nature of the film that could potentially be damaged by the energy of the FIB. Sputter coating the sample with a thin layer of iridium before creating the cross section with the FIB decreased sample charging and drifting, but differentiating the iron layer from the iridium coating with backscattered electron imaging was not definitive, making accurate assumptions of the delineation between the two metals difficult. Moreover, the porous nature of the film was lost due to beam damage following the FIB process. A thin layer plastication technique was therefore used to embed the porous film in epoxy resin that would provide support for the film during the FIB process. However, the thickness of the resin created using conventional thin layer plastication processing varied across the sample, making the measuring process only possible in areas where the resin layer was at its thinnest. Such variation required navigating the area for ideal milling areas, which increased the subjectivity of the process. We present a method to create uniform thin resin layers, of controlled thickness, that are ideal for quantifying the thickness of porous nonconductive films with FIB/scanning electron microscopy.
Pregnancy‐Associated Stroke
Authors: Sanders Bethany D. , Davis Melissa G. , Holley Sharon L. , Phillippi Julia C.
Published: January 2018

Cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, is the fourth leading cause of death for all women and the eighth leading cause of pregnancy‐associated death. The physiologic changes of pregnancy increase the risk of cerebrovascular accident for women. With current incidence rates, a facility with 3300 births per year can anticipate caring for one woman with a pregnancy‐related stroke at least every 2 years. All maternity care providers must be able to assess women experiencing stroke‐like symptoms and initiate timely care to mitigate brain tissue damage, decrease long‐term morbidity, and prevent mortality. The 2 main types of stroke, ischemic and hemorrhagic, have similar presenting symptoms but very different pathophysiology and treatment. This article reviews assessment and initial treatment of pregnant and postpartum women experiencing stroke and provides guidance for subsequent maternity and primary care to assist front‐line perinatal care providers who may be the first to treat affected women or may resume primary care after diagnosis.
Selected maternal, fetal and placental trace element and heavy metal and maternal vitamin levels in preterm deliveries with or without preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Kucukaydin Zehra , Kurdoglu Mertihan , Kurdoglu Zehra , Demir Halit , Yoruk Ibrahim H.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To compare maternal, fetal and placental trace element (magnesium, zinc and copper) and heavy metal (cadmium and lead) and maternal vitamin (retinol, α [alpha]‐tocopherol, vitamin D3, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3) levels in preterm deliveries with and without preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods

Sixty‐eight patients giving birth preterm were grouped into preterm deliveries with PPROM (n = 35) and without PPROM (n = 33). Following delivery, maternal and umbilical cord blood sera and placental tissue samples were obtained. While magnesium, zinc, copper, cadmium and lead levels were measured in all samples, the levels of retinol, α‐tocopherol, vitamin D3, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 were measured only in maternal serum.

Results

While magnesium level in maternal serum and zinc levels in both maternal and umbilical cord sera were lower, placental magnesium level was higher in preterm deliveries with PPROM (P < 0.01). Umbilical cord serum magnesium, placental tissue zinc and maternal and umbilical cord sera and placental tissue copper, cadmium, and lead levels did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05). In preterm deliveries with PPROM, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and retinol levels were higher, while vitamin D3 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels were lower in maternal serum (P < 0.05). Maternal serum α‐tocopherol levels were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

Compared to spontaneous preterm births, PPROM is associated with low maternal serum together with high placental tissue magnesium and low maternal and umbilical cord sera zinc levels. Higher retinol and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 and lower vitamin D3 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 maternal serum levels are also evident in these patients.
Robustness of econometrically estimated local multipliers across different methods and data
Authors: Van Dijk Jasper Jacob
Published: January 2018

Local traded‐goods employment multiplier estimates play an important role in the decision making of local policy makers. Therefore, it is important to understand the robustness of the approaches and quality of the data used in empirical studies. The local employment multiplier estimates by Moretti (AER; 2010) are a good benchmark for departure. In this paper, I find the traded‐goods multiplier falls within the range of 1.17 to 1.93, which is substantially lower than the estimate of 2.6 obtained by Moretti. I use multiple estimators in combination with two data sets, a range of controls and different ways of classifying traded industries to show the robustness and variability of local employment multiplier estimates. Finally, I demonstrate the sensitivity of Moretti's results. The most notable result being that Moretti's multiplier for separate skilled or unskilled workers in the nontraded sector is overestimated by a factor of 2.