bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of the Selected Physical Properties of the Fava Bean with Various Moisture Contents UsingFuzzy Logic Design
Authors: Farzaneh Vahid , Ghodsvali Alireza , Bakhshabadi Hamid , Ganje Mohammad , Dolatabadi Zahra , S.Carvalho Isabel
Published: March 2016

The current paper indicates the systematic determination of the optimal conditions for the selected physical properties of the fava bean. The effects of varying moisture content of the Barkat fava bean grown in Golestan, Iran, in the range of 9.3–31.3% (Input) on the 15 selected physical properties of the crop, including geometric values as such length; width; thickness; arithmetic and geometric mean diameter; sphericity index surface and the area of the image; gravity and frictional parameters like the weight of 1000 seeds; true density; bulk density; volume and porosity as well as friction (filling and vacating angle stability) as the outputs were predicted. Afterwards, a model relying on fuzzy logic for the prediction of the 15 outputs had been presented. To build the model, training and testing using experimental results from the Barkat fava bean were conducted. The data used as the input of the fuzzy logic model are arranged in a format of one input parameter that covers the percentage of the moisture contents of the beans. In relation to the varying moisture content (input), the outcomes (15 physical parameters) were predicted. The correlation coefficients obtained between the experimental and predicted outputs as well as the Mean Standard Deviation indicated the competence of fuzzy logic design in predicting the selected physical properties of fava bean seeds.

Practical Application

Today, because of the high demand for crops to be used extensively in the human diet, enhancements in the efficiency of the processing are getting more attention. In this way, finding and/or the determination of the optimal conditions for processing with minimum waste looks very substantial. Therefore, the use of prediction methods in food processing is considered to be a tool for improving the efficiency and the quality of the produced products. In this regard, the fuzzy logic design as a novel prediction tool, along with response surface methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), are applied extensively. Therefore Fuzzy Logic Design is optimized to predict the some of the selected physical properties of fava bean, as a function of seed's moisture content. Therefore predicting the behavior of this crop against different moisture contents can improve the quality and performance of the products with the minimum wastes during very short time.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
A Kinetic Study on the Formation of 2‐ and 3‐Methylbutanal
Authors: Huang Yarong , Tippmann Johannes , Becker Thomas
Published: March 2016

2‐Methylbutanal (2‐MB) and 3‐methylbutanal (3‐MB) are highly volatile compounds and typical beer aging compounds. The development of a kinetic model of the formation of 2‐ and 3‐MB is useful to estimate the wort flavor during the wort boiling and the flavor stability of beer. A model experiment was performed, using d‐glucose/d‐maltose and l‐leucine/isoleucine to study Maillard reaction in a buffer solution of a pH value of 5.2. The simulated solution was heated at different time (0–360 min) and temperature (90–130 °C). The concentrations of d‐glucose/d‐maltose, l‐leucine/isoleucine and 2‐ and 3‐MB were determined by HPLC and GC. This kinetic model is based on the correlation between the concentration of 2‐ and 3‐MB and the concentration of l‐leucine/isoleucine. In this paper, the multistep formation method of 2‐MB/3‐MB is simplified to a three‐step reaction. The kinetic parameters Ea, A and k were calculated for each reaction step. It was found that the formation of 2‐ and 3‐MB has a sequence like this: GL > ML > GI > MI. The total activation energies for the formation of 2‐ and 3‐MB are ranging from 107.87 to 178.88 kJ/mol. The developed kinetic model gives a good fit with the experimental data. This study is useful for the control of the wort quality during the boiling process and could also be interesting for food and beverage industries.

Practical Applications

Maillard reactions are responsible for the formation of most wort flavors. In addition to this there exist intermediates, which lead to the development of off‐flavors during shelf life. The 2‐ and 3‐MB are the Strecker aldehydes and have typical wort flavors. Wort boiling is not only the midpoint of the brewhouse, it is also one of the most important steps in producing an excellent beer. The kinetic study of the formation of 2‐ and 3‐MB is very useful for the control of wort boiling parameters. This result is helpful to calculate a suitable wort boiling time for different raw materials under brewing process conditions.
Microencapsulation of iron in a reversed enteric coating using spray drying technology for double fortification of salt with iodine and iron
Authors: Dueik Verónica , Diosady Levente L.
Published: March 2016

Prevention of iron deficiency, the most widespread nutritional disorder, can be achieved by salt double fortification; however, iron addition requires the prevention of iron‐iodine interaction. For this purpose, reversed enteric coated iron‐containing microparticles were developed in this study.

Microparticles were produced using either of two coating materials: Eudragit EPO and chitosan. Coating material solutions were loaded with increasing amounts of iron and then spray dried. Maximum payloads were established and functionality/morphology of microparticles was assessed. Microparticles were added into iodized salt with different moisture contents and adhesion and stability was measured during storage.

Eudragit EPO is unsuitable for iron fortification, as even low payloads prevented solid particles formation. Chitosan was an effective iron coating as good functionality/morphology was achieved with loadings up to 25%. The best particles were spherical (∼10 µm average diameter) and retained the encapsulated iron at pH 7 and released it at pH 1. Chitosan microparticles can be properly attached to the surface of coarse salt when the initial moisture content of salt is 2.4%, and iodine retention after 12 weeks storage was 90% at 25C and 70% at 45C.

Chitosan is suitable for producing an iron premix for stable salt double fortified with iodine and iron.

Practical Applications

Double fortification of salt with iodine and iron has been proved to be effective in reducing iron deficiency prevalence in India. Current fortification approaches use iron particles developed using an extrusion or fluidized bed agglomeration processes, to match the size and appearance of salt grains.

However, in the developing world, the most consumed salt type is coarse salt. This fact imposes the need for developing iron microparticles that can be attached to the surface of coarse salt. Salt requires 2.4% moisture for good attachment. Iron microparticles must be stable in such environment. This can be achievable using reversed enteric coatings for avoiding the interaction of iodine and iron during salt preparation and storage.
Radiological–pathological correlation study of hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing local chemoradiotherapy and surgery
Authors: Kim Jun Won , Seong Jinsil , Park Mi Sook , Kim Kyung Sik , Park Young Nyun , Han Kwang Hyub , Keum Ki Chang , Lee Ik Jae
Published: March 2016

Background and Aims

Optimal response criteria and assessment timing were investigated through radiologic–pathologic correlation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with localized chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods

We reviewed 19 consecutive HCC patients who underwent surgical resection after radiotherapy and concurrent hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. Patients who received transarterial chemoembolization before RT or surgery were excluded from evaluation. Tumor diameters and total and enhancing tumor volumes were measured from CT images obtained 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after CRT. Percent changes calculated using size (RECIST and WHO) and enhancement criteria (mRECIST and EASL) were correlated with percent changes in total and enhancing tumor volumes, and with percent viable tumor in surgical specimens.

Results

Median time between CRT and resection was 4.1 months (range, 1.5–15.4 months). CR and PR rates were 0 and 68% by RECIST, 0 and 63% by WHO, 53% and 37% by mRECIST, and 53% and 42% by EASL. Pathologic CR (pCR) rate was 52.6%. Radiologic criteria showed strong correlation with tumor volumes at 1 and 3 months after CRT; at 6 months, however, size and enhancement criteria showed strong correlation only with total and enhancing tumor volumes, respectively. Enhancement criteria were better predictors of pathologic response at all times including preoperative evaluation (RECIST: R2 = 0.303, P = 0.015 and WHO: R2 = 0.366, P = 0.006 vs. mRECIST: R2 = 0.760, P < 0.0001 and EASL: R2 = 0.768, P < 0.0001). Time interval >6 months before resection showed significant correlation with pCR (P = 0.013).

Conclusions

We recommend using enhancement criteria in assessing tumor viability, especially if the tumor was to be resected <6 months after CRT.
Revisiting the Global Net Carbon Dioxide Emission Transfers by International Trade: The Impact of Trade Heterogeneity of China
Authors: Jiang Xuemei , Chen Quanrun , Guan Dabo , Zhu Kunfu , Yang Cuihong
Published: March 2016

To revisit global net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions transfers by international trade for year 2007, this study employs a new world‐wide, multiregional input‐output (MRIO) table in which China's production is separated into domestic use, processing exports, and nonprocessing exports. The results show that processing exports in China involves relatively lower CO2 emissions than other production types for the same output levels. Therefore, if processing exports are not appropriately distinguished, net CO2 emission exports from China to other regions will be distorted; the relative bias occasionally reaches 15%. Net emission exports from regions other than China are also distorted, particularly for regions that use considerable Chinese processing exports as intermediates, such as the United States, European Union (EU), and East Asia. Given that processing exports prevail in a large number of developing countries, such as Mexico and Vietnam, one should carefully interpret measurements of net emission transfers by international trade by utilizing the ordinary world‐wide MRIO model.
Centroid precision and orientation precision of planar localization microscopy
Authors: MCGRAY C. , COPELAND C.R. , STAVIS S.M. , GEIST J.
Published: March 2016

The concept of localization precision, which is essential to localization microscopy, is formally extended from optical point sources to microscopic rigid bodies. Measurement functions are presented to calculate the planar pose and motion of microscopic rigid bodies from localization microscopy data. Physical lower bounds on the associated uncertainties – termed centroid precision and orientation precision – are derived analytically in terms of the characteristics of the optical measurement system and validated numerically by Monte Carlo simulations. The practical utility of these expressions is demonstrated experimentally by an analysis of the motion of a microelectromechanical goniometer indicated by a sparse constellation of fluorescent nanoparticles. Centroid precision and orientation precision, as developed here, are useful concepts due to the generality of the expressions and the widespread interest in localization microscopy for super‐resolution imaging and particle tracking.
Telephone‐Administered Interpersonal Psychotherapy by Nurse‐Midwives for Postpartum Depression
Authors: Posmontier Bobbie , Neugebauer Richard , Stuart Scott , Chittams Jesse , Shaughnessy Rita
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 7% to 13% of childbearing women. Access to care may be limited by maternal time constraints and fears of being judged, labeled as mentally ill, and having their infants taken away. The study's objective was to test the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of certified nurse‐midwife telephone‐administered interpersonal psychotherapy (CNM‐IPT) as a treatment for PPD.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2010 to 2014. A sample of women meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Version 4, Text Revision (DSM‐IV‐TR) criteria for depression was recruited from 8 obstetric practices employing CNMs in the United States. Forty‐one women in the treatment group received up to eight 50‐minute CNM‐IPT sessions, and 20 in the control group were referred to mental health professionals. The main outcome measure was the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Secondary outcomes included maternal and marital functioning, mother‐infant bonding, social support, and client satisfaction.

Results

The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression at 8 and 12 weeks was significantly lower among women in the treatment group compared to the control group (Week 8, P = .047; Week 12, P = .029). Client satisfaction was high in both groups. While only 5 out of 8 CNM‐IPT counselors continued the intervention until the study's conclusion, CNM‐IPT counselor protocol adherence was high.

Discussion

CNM‐IPT is effective and acceptable as a method of reducing the severity of PPD symptoms. Careful assessment of CNM availability is critical to intervention feasibility. Future research is needed to evaluate translation of this intervention into practice.
PALM‐COEIN Nomenclature for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Authors: Deneris Angela
Published: March 2016

Approximately 30% of women will experience abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) during their life time. Previous terms defining AUB have been confusing and imprecisely applied. As a consequence, both clinical management and research on this common problem have been negatively impacted. In 2011, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Menstrual Disorders Group (FMDG) published PALM‐COEIN, a new classification system for abnormal bleeding in the reproductive years. Terms such as menorrhagia, menometrorrhagia, metrorrhagia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and uterine hemorrhage are no longer recommended. The PALM‐COEIN system was developed to standardize nomenclature to describe the etiology and severity of AUB. A brief description of the PALM‐COEIN nomenclature is presented as well as treatment options for each etiology. Clinicians will frequently encounter women with AUB and should report findings utilizing the PALM‐COEIN system.
Causes, consequences, and cures for neuroinflammation mediated via the locus coeruleus: noradrenergic signaling system
Authors: Feinstein Douglas L. , Kalinin Sergey , Braun David
Published: March 2016

Aside from its roles in as a classical neurotransmitter involved in regulation of behavior, noradrenaline (NA) has other functions in theCNS. This includes restricting the development of neuroinflammatory activation, providing neurotrophic support to neurons, and providing neuroprotection against oxidative stress. In recent years, it has become evident that disruption of physiologicalNAlevels or signaling is a contributing factor to a variety of neurological diseases and conditions including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Multiple Sclerosis. The basis for dysregulation in these diseases is, in many cases, due to damage occurring to noradrenergic neurons present in the locus coeruleus (LC), the major source ofNAin theCNS.LCdamage is present in AD, multiple sclerosis, and a large number of other diseases and conditions. Studies using animal models have shown that experimentally induced lesion ofLCneurons exacerbates neuropathology while treatments to compensate forNAdepletion, or to reduceLCneuronal damage, provide benefit. In this review, we will summarize the anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective actions ofNA, summarize examples of howLCdamage worsens disease, and discuss several approaches taken to treat or prevent reductions inNAlevels andLCneuronal damage. Further understanding of these events will be of value for the development of treatments for AD, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases and conditions having a neuroinflammatory component.

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The classical neurotransmitter noradrenaline (NA) has critical roles in modulating behaviors including those involved in sleep, anxiety, and depression. However, NA can also elicit anti‐inflammatory responses in glial cells, can increase neuronal viability by inducing neurotrophic factor expression, and can reduce neuronal damage due to oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals. NA is primarily produced by tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expressing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC), a relatively small brainstem nucleus near the IVth ventricle which sends projections throughout the brain and spinal cord. It has been known for close to 50 years that LC neurons are lost during normal aging, and that loss is exacerbated in neurological diseases including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. LC neuronal damage and glial activation has now been documented in a variety of other neurological conditions and diseases, however, the causes of LC damage and cell loss remain largely unknown. A number of approaches have been developed to address the loss of NA and increased inflammation associated with LC damage, and several methods are being explored to directly minimize the extent of LC neuronal cell loss or function. In this review, we will summarize some of the consequences of LC loss, consider several factors that likely contribute to that loss, and discuss various ways that have been used to increase NA or to reduce LC damage.

This article is part of the60th Anniversary special issue.
Bioenergetics and metabolism: a bench to bedside perspective
Authors: Swerdlow Russell H.
Published: March 2016

‘Metabolism’ refers to the vast collection of chemical processes that occur within a living organism. Within this broad designation, one can identify metabolism events that relate specifically to energy homeostasis, whether they occur at the subcellular, cellular, organ, or whole organism level. This review operationally refers to this type of metabolism as ‘energy metabolism’ or ‘bioenergetics.’ Changes in energy metabolism/bioenergetics have been linked to brain aging and a number of neurodegenerative diseases, and research suggests mitochondria may uniquely contribute to this. Interventions that manipulate energy metabolism/bioenergetic function and mitochondria may have therapeutic potential and efforts intended to accomplish this are playing out at basic, translational, and clinical levels. This review follows evolving views of energy metabolism's role in neurodegenerative diseases but especially Alzheimer's disease, with an emphasis on the bench‐to‐bedside process whose ultimate goal is to develop therapeutic interventions. It further considers challenges encountered during this process, which include linking basic concepts to a medical question at the initial research stage, adapting conceptual knowledge gained to a disease‐associated application in the translational stage, extending what has been learned to the clinical arena, and maintaining support for the research at each of these fundamentally linked but functionally distinct stages.

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A bench‐to‐bedside biomedical research process is discussed that moves through conceptual, basic, translational, and clinical levels. For example, herein a case was made that bioenergetics is a valid Alzheimer's disease therapeutic target. Following this, a fundamental strategy for manipulating bioenergetics was defined, potential implications studied, and the approach extended to the clinical arena.

This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.
The next step in translational research: lessons learned from the first preclinical randomized controlled trial
Authors: Llovera Gemma , Liesz Arthur
Published: March 2016

For years, low reproducibility of preclinical trials and poor translation of promising preclinical therapies to the clinic have posed major challenges to translational research in most biomedical fields. To overcome the limitations that stand between experimental and clinical research, international consortia have attempted to establish standardized guidelines for study design and for reporting the resulting data. In addition, multicenter preclinical randomized controlled trials (pRCTs) have been proposed as a suitable tool for ‘bridging the gap’ between experimental research and clinical trials. We recently reported the design and results of the first such pRCT in which we confirmed the feasibility of using a coordinated approach with standardized protocols in collaboration with independent multinational research centers. However, despite its successes, this first pRCT also had several difficulties, particularly with respect to following the protocols established in the study design and analyzing the data. Here, we review our experiences performing the study, and we analyze and discuss the lessons learned from performing the first pRCT. Moreover, we provide suggestions regarding how obstacles can be overcome to improve the performance and outcome of future pRCT studies.

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Translational research is hampered by low reproducibility of preclinical studies and countless failed clinical trials. International consortia have proposed preclinical multicenter trials as an intermediate step to overcome this ‘translational roadblock’. We have recently performed the first such preclinical randomized controlled trial (pRCT) by adopting key elements of clinical study design to preclinical research. In this review, we discuss the lessons learned from this trial and provide suggestions how to optimize future pRCTs.

This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.
Stress and Depression: a Crucial Role of the Mineralocorticoid Receptor
Authors: de Kloet E. R. , Otte C. , Kumsta R. , Kok L. , Hillegers M. H. J. , Hasselmann H. , Kliegel D. , Joëls M.
Published: March 2016

Cortisol and corticosterone act on the appraisal process, which comprises the selection of an appropriate coping style and the encoding of the experience for storage in the memory. This action exerted by the stress hormones is mediated by mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), which are expressed abundantly in the limbic circuitry, particularly in the hippocampus. Limbic MR is down‐regulated by chronic stress and during depression but induced by antidepressants. Increased MR activity inhibits hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activity, promotes slow wave sleep, reduces anxiety and switches circuit connectivity to support coping. Cortisol and emotion‐cognition are affected by MR gene haplotypes based on rs5522 and rs2070951. Haplotype 1 (GA) moderates the effects of (early) life stressors, reproductive cycle and oral contraceptives. MR haplotype 2 (CA) is a gain of function variant that protects females against depression by association with an optimistic, resilient phenotype. Activation of MR therefore may offer a target for alleviating depression and cognitive dysfunction. Accordingly, the MR agonist fludrocortisone was found to enhance the efficacy of antidepressants and to improve memory and executive functions in young depressed patients. In conclusion, CORT coordinates via MR the networks underlying how an individual copes with stress, and this action is complemented by the widely distributed lower affinity glucocorticoid receptor (GR) involved in the subsequent management of stress adaptation. In this MR:GR regulation, the MR is an important target for promoting resilience.
Assessment scales for the diagnosis of polyneuropathy
Authors: Hanewinckel Rens , Ikram M. Arfan , van Doorn Pieter A.
Published: March 2016

Epidemiological studies that investigate the occurrence and determinants of chronic length‐dependent polyneuropathy are scarce. Population‐based studies on polyneuropathy require a valid and reliable screening protocol with both good sensitivity and specificity. Several questionnaires and scoring scales have been developed for the detection of polyneuropathy, grading the severity of the disease, or evaluating the clinical course during follow‐up. This review summarizes the aims and content of existing diagnostic polyneuropathy screening tools in order to help future studies decide which scale to use for screening in specific situations. We searched the PubMed database and identified 27 scales, 13 are based on symptoms alone, 8 on neurological signs alone, and 6 on a combination of symptoms and signs. Scales that combine questions concerning symptoms and a neurological examination with a focus on sensory alterations seem to have the best discriminatory power. However, all scoring scales were developed for and investigated in prespecified patient populations. Therefore, the generalizability of specific findings to the general population may be limited. We also discuss other limitations of existing scales. Future studies are required to determine which clinimetrically well‐developed scales are preferred for use in population‐based studies.
Variety, sex and ontogenetic differences in the pelvic limb muscle architectural properties of leghorn chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and their links with locomotor performance
Authors: Rose Kayleigh A. , Nudds Robert L. , Codd Jonathan R.
Published: March 2016

Leghorn (layer) chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) differ in locomotor morphology and performance due to artificial selection for standard (large) and bantam (small) varieties, sexual dimorphisms and ontogenetic stage. Here, the hind limb skeletal muscle architectural properties of mature and juvenile standard breeds and mature bantams are compared and linked to measures of locomotor performance. Mature males possessed greater relative muscle physiological cross‐sectional areas (PCSAs) than their conspecific females, indicative of greater force‐generating capacity, and in line with their greater maximum sustainable speeds compared with females. Furthermore, some of the relative fascicle lengths of the pennate muscles were greater in mature males than in mature females, which may permit greater muscle contractibility. Immature standard leghorns, however, did not share the same dimorphisms as their mature forms. The differences in architectural properties between immature and mature standard males indicate that with the onset of male sexual maturity, concomitant with increasing muscle mass in males, the relative fascicle lengths of pennate muscles and the relative PCSAs of the parallel‐fibred muscles also increase. The age‐related differences in standard breed male muscle architecture are linked to the presence and absence of sex differences in maximum aerobic speeds. Males of bantam and standard varieties shared similar muscle proportions (% body mass), but exhibited intrinsic muscle differences with a tendency for greater force‐generating capabilities in bantams and greater contractile capabilities in standards. The metabolic costs associated with the longer fascicle lengths, together with more crouched limbs in standard than in bantam males may explain the lack of allometry in the minimum metabolic cost of transport between these birds of different size.
Obstructive sleep apnoea: patients' experiences of oral appliance treatment
Authors: Nordin E. , Stenberg M. , Tegelberg Å.
Published: March 2016

Over the past few decades, there has been a pronounced increase in the number of patients being treated by general dental practitioners for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The purpose of this study was to survey the care and patient experiences and the self‐reported effectiveness of OSA treatment with an oral appliance (OA) incorporating mandibular advancement. The design was a retrospective, cross‐sectional study, with follow‐up between 6 months to 1 year after commencement of treatment. A survey form was posted to 1150 subjects, identified in the regional register over a 1‐year period as having been treated with an OA for OSA. The questionnaire comprised 70 questions and assertions in various domains, such as general health/lifestyle, changes in symptoms/quality of life and sleep‐related experiences, daytime sleepiness, changes in life situation, evaluation of treatment and the value of treatment. The overall response rate was 64% (n = 738). Treatment with OA gave relief of symptoms in 83% of the respondents. Quality of life, somatic and cognitive symptoms improved significantly in patients who used the appliance frequently (P < 0·001). Daytime sleepiness decreased significantly (P < 0·001). Treatment satisfaction and willingness to recommend the similar treatment to a friend were high (>85%). OA treatment of OSA by general dental practitioners is a safe procedure. Most of the survey respondents experienced relief of symptoms. Those who used their appliance frequently reported improvement in quality of life, somatic and cognitive symptoms. Excessive daytime sleepiness was reduced in the majority of the patients under treatment.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with effortful swallowing on post‐stroke oropharyngeal dysphagia: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Park J.‐S. , Oh D.‐H. , Hwang N.‐K. , Lee J.‐H.
Published: March 2016

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used as a therapeutic intervention for dysphagia. However, the therapeutic effects of NMES lack supporting evidence. In recent years, NMES combined with traditional swallowing therapy has been used to improve functional recovery in patients with post‐stroke dysphagia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of effortful swallowing combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on hyoid bone movement and swallowing function in stroke patients. Fifty stroke patients with mild dysphagia who were able to swallow against the resistance applied by using NMES and cooperate actively in training were included. This study was designed as a 6‐week single‐blind, randomised, controlled study. In the experimental group, two pairs of electrodes were placed horizontally in the infrahyoid region to depress the hyoid bone. The NMES intensity was increased gradually until the participants felt a grabbing sensation in their neck and performed an effortful swallow during the stimulation. In the placebo group, the same procedure was followed except for the intensity, which was increased gradually until the participants felt an electrical sensation. All participants underwent this intervention for 30 min per session, 5 sessions per week, for 6 weeks. Videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were carried out before and after the intervention and kinematics of the hyoid bone and swallowing function were analysed based on the VFSS. The experimental group revealed a significant increase in anterior and superior hyoid bone movement and the pharyngeal phase of the swallowing function. This intervention can be used as a novel remedial approach in dysphagic stroke patients.
Self‐Reported bruxism and associated factors in Israeli adolescents
Authors: Emodi Perlman A. , Lobbezoo F. , Zar A. , Friedman Rubin P. , van Selms M. K. A. , Winocur E.
Published: March 2016

Little is known about the epidemiological characteristics of sleep and awake bruxism (SB and AB) in adolescents. The aims of the study were: to assess the prevalence rates of self‐reported SB and AB in Israeli adolescents; to determine the associations between SB/AB and several demographical, exogenous and psychosocial factors in Israeli adolescents; and to investigate the possible concordance between SB and AB. The study made use of a questionnaire. The study population included 1000 students from different high schools in the centre of Israel. Prevalence of self‐reported SB and AB in the Israeli adolescents studied was 9·2% and 19·2%, respectively. No gender difference was found regarding the prevalence of SB and AB. Multiple variable regression analysis revealed that the following predicting variables were related to SB: temporomandibular joint sounds (P = 0·002) and feeling stressed (P = 0·001). The following predicting variables were related to AB: age (P = 0·018), temporomandibular joint sounds (P = 0·002), oro‐facial pain (P = 0·006), and feeling stressed (P = 0·002) or sad (P = 0·006). A significant association was found between SB and AB; that is, an individual reporting SB had a higher probability of reporting AB compared with an individual who did not report SB (odds ratio = 5·099). Chewing gum was the most common parafunction reported by adolescents. The results of this study demonstrate that self‐reports of AB and SB are common in the Israeli adolescents population studied and are not related to gender. The significant correlation found between SB and AB may be a confounding bias that affects proper diagnosis of bruxism through self‐reported questionnaires only.
Choosing the best image processing method for masticatory performance assessment when using two‐coloured specimens
Authors: Vaccaro G. , Pelaez J. I. , Gil J. A.
Published: March 2016

Objective masticatory performance assessment using two‐coloured specimens relies on image processing techniques; however, just a few approaches have been tested and no comparative studies are reported. The aim of this study was to present a selection procedure of the optimal image analysis method for masticatory performance assessment with a given two‐coloured chewing gum. Dentate participants (n = 250; 25 ± 6·3 years) chewed red‐white chewing gums for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 25 cycles (2000 samples). Digitalised images of retrieved specimens were analysed using 122 image processing methods (IPMs) based on feature extraction algorithms (pixel values and histogram analysis). All IPMs were tested following the criteria of: normality of measurements (Kolmogorov–Smirnov), ability to detect differences among mixing states (anova corrected with post hoc Bonferroni) and moderate‐to‐high correlation with the number of cycles (Spearman's Rho). The optimal IPM was chosen using multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Measurements provided by all IPMs proved to be normally distributed (P < 0·05), 116 proved sensible to mixing states (P < 0·05), and 35 showed moderate‐to‐high correlation with the number of cycles (|ρ| > 0·5; P < 0·05). The variance of the histogram of the Hue showed the highest correlation with the number of cycles (ρ = 0·792; P < 0·0001) and the highest MCDA score (optimal). The proposed procedure proved to be reliable and able to select the optimal approach among multiple IPMs. This experiment may be reproduced to identify the optimal approach for each case of locally available test foods.
Part‐Time Employment and Problem Behaviors: Evidence From Adolescents in South Korea
Authors: Lee Moosung , Oi‐yeung Lam Beatrice , Ju Eunsu , Dean Jenny
Published: March 2016

This study explores the impact of adolescent part‐time work experience on problem behaviors in the South Korean context. To achieve this, propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were employed based on data from the Korean Education Employment Panel (KEEP). Results indicate that adolescents' part‐time employment during their secondary school years had significantly undesirable effects on drinking and smoking, even after preexisting differences between the two groups (i.e., those adolescents who participated in part‐time work and those who did not) were controlled by PSM. However, an insignificant difference was detected in the likelihood of running away from home. Implications of the results are discussed in terms of changes in the meanings of adolescence and of participating in part‐time work in South Korea.
Understanding Liking in Relation to Sensory Characteristics, Consumer Concept Associations, Arousal Potential and “Appropriateness for Use” Using Apple Juice as an Application
Authors: Stolzenbach Sandra , Bredie Wender L.P. , Christensen Rune H.B. , Byrne Derek V.
Published: March 2016

It is crucial to understand influential parameters for acquisition of consumer liking to ensure succesful product introduction and competativeness in the marketplace. This article aims to study and understand liking in relation to sensory characteristics, consumer concept associations, arousal potential and appropriateness for use using apple juices as an application. First, a laboratory panel (n = 15: F = 10, M = 5) determined the sensory profile of the apple juices using the methods Partial Napping and Ultra Flash Profiling based on taste and flavor. Next, consumers (n = 196: F = 136, M = 60) evaluated key apple juice parameters. The basic tastes sweet and sour were key properties and played a central role in liking acquisition. Apple juices having a sweet/sour balance were most liked. The importance of balance in sensory properties was underlined by the fact that consumer liking was related to the concept balanced. Additionally, the consumers liked the apple juices when associated with exclusive, National identity, interesting, complex and unique. High levels of perceived complexity, surprising and novelty increased the consumers' liking. The most liked apple juices received the highest ratings in appropriateness for use regardless of use situation.

Practical Applications

Food producers can use the information to understand how a food product's sensory characteristics, consumer concept associations, arousal potential and appropriateness for use influence liking. This information is useful in new food product development and marketing of the products.
Interpretation of Fabric Tactile Perceptions through Visual Features for Textile Products
Authors: Xue Z. , Zeng X. , Koehl L. , Shen L.
Published: March 2016

In this article, a systematic method based on two sensory experiments has been proposed to explore the relations between the visual and haptic perceptions of the tactile properties of a number of textile samples. The first experiment is designed to investigate to what extent fabric tactile properties could be perceived through the samples' visual representations. On this basis, the second experiment is carried out to study the mathematical relation between different sensory (visual and tactile) datasets. In this study, a new approach has been proposed based on rough inclusion degree and fuzzy inference system to deal with the sensory relations. The results show that for the discussed samples, most fabric tactile properties could be well perceived via vision. With the help of a fuzzy neural model, it is possible to predict a certain tactile property from the numerical scores of its principal visual features.

Practical Applications

Compared with researches focused on the development of mechanical simulative devices, the approach proposed here is much less expensive and could provide more direct and reasonable interpretation of fabric tactile information as both two sides of the model are from sensory systems which work as a whole during perception. Based on our model, with the help of image processing techniques, visual attributes will be automatically extracted from static or dynamic images, and interpreted by our rules to fabric tactile properties. Besides, this study will serve as a fundamental to the study on virtual fitting technologies in that the manufacturers or designers will be able to actively manipulate the virtual displays of textile products to provide our consumers with the most close‐to‐real sense of fabric.
Beliefs and Public Good Provision with Anonymous Contributors
Authors: MALDONADO WILFREDO LEIVA , RODRIGUES‐NETO JOSE A.
Published: March 2016

We analyze a static game of public good contributions where finitely many anonymous players have heterogeneous preferences about the public good and heterogeneous beliefs about the distribution of preferences. In the unique symmetric equilibrium, the only individuals who make positive contributions are those who most value the public good and who are also the most pessimistic; that is, according to their beliefs, the proportion of players who most like the public good is smaller than it would be according to any other possible belief. We predict whether the aggregate contribution is larger or smaller than it would be in an analogous game with complete information and heterogeneous preferences, by comparing the beliefs of contributors with the true distribution of preferences. A trade‐off between preferences and beliefs arises if there is no individual who simultaneously has the highest preference type and the most pessimistic belief. In this case, there is a symmetric equilibrium, and multiple symmetric equilibria occur only if there are more than two preference types.
Should the Carbon Price Be the Same in All Countries?
Authors: D'AUTUME ANTOINE , SCHUBERT KATHELINE , WITHAGEN CEES
Published: March 2016

International differences in fuel taxation are huge, and may be justified by different local negative externalities that taxes must correct, as well as by different preferences for public spending. In this context, should a worldwide uniform carbon tax be added to these local taxes to correct the global warming externality? We address this question in a second best framework à la Ramsey, where public goods have to be financed through distortionary taxation and the cost of public funds has to be weighted against the utility of public goods. We show that when lump‐sum transfers between countries are allowed for, the second best tax on the polluting good may be decomposed into three parts: one, country‐specific, dealing with the local negative externality, a second one, country‐specific, dealing with the cost of levying public funds, and a third one, global, dealing with the global externality and which can be interpreted as the carbon price. Our main contribution is to show that the uniformity of the carbon price should still hold in this second best framework. Nevertheless, if lump‐sum transfers between governments are impossible to implement, international differentiation of the carbon price is the only way to take care of equity concerns.
Strategic Network Disruption and Defense
Authors: HOYER BRITTA , JAEGHER KRIS DE
Published: March 2016

We study a game between a network designer, who uses costly links to connect nodes in a network, and a network disruptor who tries to disrupt the resulting network as much as possible by deleting either nodes or links. For low linking costs networks with all nodes in symmetric positions are a best response of the designer under both link deletion and node deletion. For high linking costs the designer builds a star network under link deletion, but for node deletion excludes some nodes from the network to build a smaller but stronger network. For intermediate linking costs the designer again builds a symmetric network under node deletion but a star‐like network with weak spots under link deletion.
ORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRY OF BARENTS SEA PETROLEUM: THERMAL MATURITY AND ALTERATION AND MIXING PROCESSES IN OILS AND CONDENSATES
Authors: Lerch B. , Karlsen D.A. , Matapour Z. , Seland R. , Backer‐Owe K.
Published: March 2016

The petroleum system in the Barents Sea is complex with numerous source rocks and multiple uplift events resulting in the remigration and mixing of petroleum. In order to investigate the degree of mixing, 50 oil and condensate samples from 30 wells in the SW Barents Sea were geochemically analysed by GC‐FID and GC‐MS to evaluate their thermal maturity and secondary alteration signatures. Saturated and aromatic compounds from C14–C18 and biomarker range (C20+) hydrocarbons were compared with light (C4‐C8) hydrocarbon alteration and maturity signatures from a previous study. The geochemical data demonstrate that petroleum generation occurred from the early‐ to late‐oil/condensate window, correlating to calculated vitrinite reflection values of between 0.7%Rc and 1.9%Rc. Two maturation traits are in general present in the oil samples analysed and indicate mixing of petroleum phases: a C20+ fraction which represents a possible “black‐oil ‐related” signature; and a C20‐ fraction, which is probably a more recent oil charge. However, maturity variations are less pronounced in condensates, which in general exhibit higher generation temperatures than oils but are influenced by severe phase fractionation effects. The samples are characterised by diverse biodegradation signatures including depletion of C15‐ saturated compounds, almost complete removal of n‐alkanes, elevated Pr/n‐C17 values, high 17α(H), 25‐norhopane content, and a reverse trend in methylated naphthalene distribution. However, the presence of the more recent, unaltered light hydrocarbon charge together with the oil with a palaeo‐biodegraded signature is clear evidence that mixing has occurred. A cross‐plot of C24‐tetracyclic terpane/C30αβ‐hopane versus C23‐C29‐tricyclic terpane/C30αβ‐hopane can be used to discriminate between Palaeozoic/Triassic and Jurassic‐generated petroleums in the Barents Sea region, since it appears to be maturity independent.
BURIAL, TEMPERATURE AND MATURATION HISTORY OF THE AUSTRAL AND WESTERN MALVINAS BASINS, SOUTHERN ARGENTINA, BASED ON 3D BASIN MODELLING
Authors: Sachse V.F. , Anka Z. , Littke R. , Rodriguez J. F. , Horsfield B. , di Primio R.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a numerical petroleum systems model for the Jurassic‐Tertiary Austral (Magallanes) Basin, southern Argentina, incorporating the western part of the nearby Malvinas Basin. The modelling is based on a recently published seismo‐stratigraphic interpretation and resulting depth and thickness maps. Measured vitrinite reflectance data from 25 wells in the Austral and Malvinas Basins were used for thermal model calibration; eight calibration data sets are presented for the Austral Basin and four for the Malvinas Basin. Burial history reconstruction allowed eroded thicknesses to be estimated and palaeo heat‐flow values to be determined. Six modelled burial, temperature and maturation histories are shown for well locations in the onshore Austral Basin and the western Malvinas Basin. These modelled histories, combined with kinetic data measured for a sample from the Lower Cretaceous Springhill Formation, were used to model hydrocarbon generation in the study area. Maps of thermal maturity and transformation ratio for the three main source rocks (the Springhill, Inoceramus and Lower Margas Verdes Formations) were compiled. The modelling results suggest that deepest burial occurred during the Miocene followed by a phase of uplift and erosion. However, an Eocene phase of deep burial leading to maximum temperatures cannot be excluded based on vitrinite reflectance and numerical modelling results. Relatively little post‐Miocene uplift and erosion (approx. 50–100 m) occurred in the Malvinas Basin.

Based on the burial‐ and thermal histories, initial hydrocarbon generation is interpreted to have taken place in the Early Cretaceous in the Austral Basin and to have continued until the Miocene. A similar pattern is predicted for the western Malvinas Basin, with an early phase of hydrocarbon generation during the Late Cretaceous and a later phase during the Miocene. However, source rock maturity (as well as the transformation ratio) remained low in the Malvinas Basin, only just reaching the oil window. Higher maturities are modelled for the deeper parts of the Austral Basin, where greater subsidence and deeper burial occurred.