bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High intergenerational connections: a film-based inquiry
Authors: Vasconcelos Anselmo Ferreira
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to increase the understanding about the concept of high-quality connections (HQCs) by examining how it develops between members of different generations.

Design/methodology/approach

It draws on film-based method to explain how the theory of HQC unfolds, particularly in a context of high intergenerational connection.

Findings

This study reflects the analysis of a movie that, to a large extent, fits in the HQCs conceptual framework. Rather, all key mechanisms of HQCs concept (i.e. behavioral, cognitive and emotional) were found in the plot of Die Hard 4.0. It provides compelling evidence that films may explore the possibilities of reality including the nuances of the relationships among human beings, despite the fact that it portrays a fictional creation. In doing so, it shows that HQCs are likely to be found – as very often happens in the real life – even in the worst situations. Findings also show that HQCs may be built through the time as individuals start to better know each other, i.e. their styles, behavior, religion preferences, held values, capabilities and interpersonal skills.

Research limitations/implications

Otherwise, film method does not allow that the research results be generalized. At best, it offers elements to the viewers reflect about.

Practical implications

Very often individuals are designated to carry out certain tasks along with unknown colleagues with whom they need to interact in a positive manner to accomplish the goals. As a result, organizations should pay close attention to the quality of connections among their employees.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first endeavor toward analyzing the mechanisms of HQCs concept by means of such approach. In doing so, this analysis strongly corroborates HQCs concept functioning.
Analysis of the barriers in implementing environmental management system by interpretive structural modeling approach
Authors: Yang Fan , Zhang Xiongfei
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the most influential barriers for environmental management system (EMS) adoption and determine the interactions of these factors in the context of Chinese textile and apparel industries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study has conducted two different research phases, namely, the identification of 13 barriers from the extensive literature available and expert panel discussion and using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to investigate the complex relationships among these barriers and partition the barriers into a hierarchical structure to facilitate strategic analysis.

Findings

The obtained result demonstrates that insufficient information about customer’s demand is the most influential barrier. Furthermore, by analyzing the interrelationships among the barriers, management will become more aware of the barriers’ relative importance and focus on the barriers with stronger influence.

Originality/value

This work may help practitioners, academicians and regulators to focus their efforts toward implementation of EMS on various levels in business, especially for these textile and apparel companies operating in China.
Antecedents of SME alliance performance: a multilevel review
Authors: Prabhudesai Rohit , Prasad Ch. V.V.S.N.V.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to classify and analyze the impact of antecedents studied in the extant literature on two levels of SME alliance performance – alliance-level and firm-level.

Design/methodology/approach

Using online databases and the bibliography section of the selected articles, 45 peer-reviewed studies specifically analyzing the impact of antecedents on the performance of SME alliances at the two levels were studied to gain insights.

Findings

The study differentiates between the impact of antecedents on the two levels of SME alliance performance, alliance-level and firm-level, and finds that certain antecedents, such as absorptive capacity, corporate entrepreneurship, control, network dimensions, partner opportunism and partner reputation, have a peculiar impact on a single level while other antecedents such as trust, commitment and cooperation, have an influence on performance at both levels. Also, the impact of these antecedents is hypothesized to be weak or strong, depending upon the results obtained by the papers in the review.

Research limitations/implications

In a first-of-its-kind approach, the paper provides a conceptual insight into the differentiating impact of antecedents on SME alliance performance at both levels, as opposed to the unitary analysis approach used in the extant literature. The model provided by the study can be used by researchers to gain a systematic understanding of how alliance outcomes are affected.

Practical implications

While the extant literature remains largely ambiguous on the role of antecedents causing variance in SME alliance outcomes, this paper serves to bridge this gap and enhance the understanding of practitioners by systematically analyzing how specific antecedents affect SME alliance performance at both levels.

Originality/value

As opposed to the unitary approach used in the extant literature, which does not differentiate between the two levels of SME alliance performance, this paper arranges and categorizes these studies based on the level at which alliance performance has been analyzed. Furthermore, the paper identifies the impact of antecedents at each level, thereby providing pioneering insights on understanding SME alliance outcomes.
Epidemiology of infertility in China: a population‐based study
Authors: Zhou Z , Zheng D , Wu H , Li R , Xu S , Kang Y , Cao Y , Chen X , Zhu Y , Xu S , Chen Z‐J , Mol BW , Qiao J
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the current prevalence of and risk factors for infertility among couples of reproductive age in China.

Design

Population‐based cross‐sectional study.

Setting

We approached 25 270 couples in eight provinces/municipalities, of whom 18 571 (response rate 74%) were interviewed.

Population

Couples living together and married for more than 1 year, of whom the female spouse was 20–49 years old.

Methods

Women were approached via telephone and face‐to‐face conversation to complete the standardised and structured questionnaire by trained interviewers.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of and risk factors for infertility.

Results

Among women ‘at risk’ of pregnancy, the prevalence of infertility was 15.5% (2680/17 275). Among 10 742 women attempting to become pregnant, the prevalence of infertility was 25.0% (2680/10 742), which increased with age in the second population. Among women who failed to achieve pregnancy in the last 12 months, 3470 finished our questionnaire about fertility care, and 55.2% (1915/3470) of them had sought medical help. Sociodemographic risk factors for infertility included lower educational level [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.4, 95% CI 2.0–5.5] and employment (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.9–2.9). Clinical risk factors were irregular menstrual cycle (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.5), light menstrual blood volume (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2–2.0), history of cervicitis (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–2.0) and endometriosis (aOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1–9.3), previous stillbirth (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.3) and miscarriage (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 2.1–3.5). In addition, history of operation was a significant risk factor of infertility.

Conclusions

Among couples of reproductive age in China, the prevalence of infertility was 25%, and almost half of the couples experiencing infertility had not sought medical help.

Tweetable abstract

In China, 25% of couples actively attempting to become pregnant suffered infertility.
The Effects of Short‐Time Temperature Abuse on the Microbial and Sensory Quality of Chilled Saithe (Pollachius virens) Fillets
Authors: Mu Gang , Jonsson Asbjorn , Bergsson Arnljotur B. , Thorarinsdottir Kristin A.
Published: October 2017

Chilled fish products are highly perishable with a limited shelf life (10 to 14 d). For this reason, the control of the cold chain for fish is essential. This study´s objective was to investigate the effects of short‐time temperature abuse during processing on spoilage of chilled saithe (Pollachius virens) fillets. Analysis of microbial growth, freshness grades, and sensory score by Quality Index method, as well as pH, were carried out during a 10‐d storage period at 2 ± 2 °C. Before storage, the fillets were kept at 16 °C for 0, 1, and 2 h. The results showed that spoilage of the fillets was accelerated with longer holding time at 16 °C. The 1‐ and 2‐h holding before packing and storage caused a 22% (2 d) and 44% (4 d) loss of shelf life, respectively, compared to fillets that were packed immediately after processing. These findings indicate how bottlenecks and delays during processing may result in loss of microbial and sensory quality of chilled fish products.

Practical Application

The observations show the importance of maintaining a low temperature in fish, even for a short period such as during processing. Any delays, such as due to buffering or mechanical failure, may accelerate spoilage of chilled products during subsequent storage. This effect is even more pronounced when products are packed in bulk volumes as the cooling rate is much slower than the piece‐by‐piece cooling rate.
Establishing Standards on Colors from Natural Sources
Authors: Simon James E. , Decker Eric A. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Giusti M. Monica , Mejia Carla D. , Goldschmidt Mark , Talcott Stephen T.
Published: October 2017

Color additives are applied to many food, drug, and cosmetic products. With up to 85% of consumer buying decisions potentially influenced by color, appropriate application of color additives and their safety is critical. Color additives are defined by the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) as any dye, pigment, or substance that can impart color to a food, drug, or cosmetic or to the human body. Under current U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, colors fall into 2 categories as those subject to an FDA certification process and those that are exempt from certification often referred to as “natural” colors by consumers because they are sourced from plants, minerals, and animals. Certified colors have been used for decades in food and beverage products, but consumer interest in natural colors is leading market applications. However, the popularity of natural colors has also opened a door for both unintentional and intentional economic adulteration. Whereas FDA certifications for synthetic dyes and lakes involve strict quality control, natural colors are not evaluated by the FDA and often lack clear definitions and industry accepted quality and safety specifications. A significant risk of adulteration of natural colors exists, ranging from simple misbranding or misuse of the term “natural” on a product label to potentially serious cases of physical, chemical, and/or microbial contamination from raw material sources, improper processing methods, or intentional postproduction adulteration. Consistent industry‐wide safety standards are needed to address the manufacturing, processing, application, and international trade of colors from natural sources to ensure quality and safety throughout the supply chain.
Protection of Grain Products from Sitophilus oryzae (L.) Contamination by Anti‐Insect Pest Repellent Sachet Containing Allyl Mercaptan Microcapsule
Authors: Chang Yoonjee , Lee Soo‐Hyun , Na Ja Hyun , Chang Pahn‐Shick , Han Jaejoon
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study was to develop an anti‐insect pest repellent sachet to prevent Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) contamination in grain packaging. The anti‐insect pest activities of essential oils (EOs) from garlic (Allium Sativum), ginger (Zingiber Officinalis), black pepper (Piper nigrum), onion (Allium cepa), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) as well as major compounds (allyl disulfide, AD; allyl mercaptan, AM) isolated from of garlic and onion (AD and AM) were measured against S. oryzae. The results revealed that garlic EO, onion EO, AD, and AM showed strong fumigant insecticidal activities. Among these, AM showed the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition rate, indicating that the fumigation insecticidal efficacy of AM is related with its AChE inhibition ability. Subsequently, the microcapsules were produced with a high efficiency (80.02%) by using AM as a core material and rice flour as a wall material. Finally, sachet composed of rice flour microcapsule containing 2% AM (RAM) was produced. Repellent assay was performed to measure anti‐insect pest ability of the RAM sachet, showed remarkable repelling effect within 48 h both in the presence or absence of attractant. In a release profile of RAM sachet, it was expected to last over 20 mo during the distribution period of brown rice. Moreover, RAM sachet showed no undesirable changes to the sensory properties of the rice both before and after cooking. Taken together, these results suggest that the newly developed RAM sachet could be used as a packaging material to protect grain products from S. oryzae contamination.

Practical Application

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), causes damages to stored products and its contamination in grain products has become a major problem in cereal market. To preserve brown rice, an anti‐insect pest repellent sachet containing 2% allyl mercaptan was newly developed and it showed remarkable repellent abilities against S. oryzae. It could be used as an active food packaging system to protect grain products from insect pest contamination.
Characterization of Sensory Differences in Mixing and Premium Rums Through the Use of Descriptive Sensory Analysis
Authors: Ickes Chelsea M. , Cadwallader Keith R.
Published: October 2017

This study identified and quantitated perceived sensory differences between 7 premium rums and 2 mixing rums using a hybrid of the Quantitative Descriptive Analysis and Spectrum methods. In addition, the results of this study validated the previously developed rum flavor wheel created from web‐based materials. Results showed that the use of the rum flavor wheel aided in sensory term generation, as 17 additional terms were generated after the wheel was provided to panelists. Thirty‐eight sensory terms encompassing aroma, aroma‐by‐mouth, mouthfeel, taste and aftertaste modalities, were generated and evaluated by the panel. Of the finalized terms, only 5 did not exist previously on the rum flavor wheel. Twenty attributes were found to be significantly different among rums. The majority of rums showed similar aroma profiles with the exception of 2 rums, which were characterized by higher perceived intensities of brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate aroma, caramel, maple, and vanilla aroma‐by‐mouth and caramel aftertaste.

Practical Application

These results demonstrate the previously developed rum flavor wheel can be used to adequately describe the flavor profile of rum. Additionally, results of this study document the sensory differences among premium rums and may be used to correlate with analytical data to better understand how changes in chemical composition of the product affect sensory perception.
Resistance training reduces metabolic syndrome and inflammatory markers in older women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tomeleri Crisieli M. , Souza Mariana F. , Burini Roberto C. , Cavaglieri Cláudia R. , Ribeiro Alex S. , Antunes Melissa , Nunes João P. , Venturini Danielle , Barbosa Décio S. , Sardinha Luís B. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: October 2017

Background

This study analyzed the effects of a 12‐week resistance training (RT) program without dietary interventions on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and inflammatory biomarkers in older women.

Methods

Fifty‐three older women (mean [±SD] age 70.4 ± 5.7 years; mean body mass index 26.7 ± 4.0 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to a training group (TG; n = 26) that performed 12 weeks of an RT program or a control group (CG; n = 27) that did not perform any type of physical exercise over the same period. Body composition (dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry), muscular strength (one‐repetition maximum tests), blood pressure (BP), and blood sample measurements were performed before and after intervention.

Results

After the 12‐week period, there were significantly reductions (P < 0.05) in glucose levels (−20.4% vs −0.3%), waist circumference (−1.5% vs +2.0%), and systolic BP (−6.2% vs +0.9%), and complete normalization of MetS prevalence (18% at baseline vs. 0% after 12‐weeks RT) in the TG. Moreover, C‐reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor‐α concentrations decreased in the TG (−28.6% and −21.6%, respectively), but increased in the CG (+34.5% and +13.3%, respectively). In addition there were positive improvements in the MetS Z‐score in the TG but not CG (−21.6% vs +13.3%, respectively).

Conclusion

The results suggest that a 12‐week RT program seems to effectively reduce MetS components and inflammatory biomarkers in older women, regardless of dietary intervention. The RT‐induced adaptations in body composition and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be related to healthy adaptations in risk factors for MetS.
Re‐examining the sensitivity of HbA1c to screen for diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yap Chun W. , Ang Yee G. , Quek Timothy P.L. , Heng Bee H. , Chew Daniel E.K.
Published: October 2017

Background

One of the laboratory tests recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to screen for diabetes mellitus (DM) is HbA1c, and it is particularly suitable for segments of the population that cannot or are unwilling to fast for a screening test. The aim of this study was to determine whether HbA1c would be a useful tool to screen for DM in a real‐world setting if ADA guidelines for repeat testing to confirm the diagnosis of DM are strictly adhered to.

Methods

A retrospective database study was performed by extracting demographic and laboratory data from a chronic disease registry that collects data on adults from three tertiary hospitals and nine large primary care clinics in Singapore. Data were extracted and analyzed for adults not previously known to have DM whose data was captured in the registry between 2005 and 2016 with HbA1c and at least two diagnostic tests for DM (fasting plasma glucose or 2‐h plasma glucose) performed within 4 weeks after HbA1c determination.

Results

In all, 3928 adults were included in this study. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for HbA1c at a threshold of 6.5% were 85.2%, 82.3%, and 0.914, respectively. A higher sensitivity was found in female adults, younger adults, and those of non‐Chinese ethnicity.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of HbA1c as a screening test for DM in this study was significantly higher than that reported previously. This work provides additional evidence supporting the inclusion of HbA1c as one of the screening tests for DM.
Beneficial Effect of Alcohol Withdrawal on Gut Permeability and Microbial Translocation in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Donnadieu‐Rigole Hélène , Pansu Nathalie , Mura Thibault , Pelletier Stéphanie , Alarcon Régis , Gamon Lucie , Perney Pascal , Apparailly Florence , Lavigne Jean‐Philippe , Dunyach‐Remy Catherine
Published: October 2017

Background

The human intestinal microbiota exerts beneficial or harmful effects in several disorders. Many factors, including alcohol consumption, may influence its composition and trigger bacterial translocation. Excessive alcohol consumption increases gut permeability and translocation of endotoxin into peripheral circulation. Although plasma endotoxin concentrations have been measured often, quantitative changes following alcohol withdrawal have never been described in subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The aim of this study was to measure microbial translocation (MT) and gut permeability markers in patients with AUD, to compare these markers to healthy controls (HC) and to monitor markers during the first 6 weeks of abstinence.

Methods

Sixty‐five patients with AUD and hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal were included. Epidemiological, clinical, biological, and addictological data were gathered. Blood samples were collected at baseline, then 3 and 6 weeks after alcohol withdrawal. A hundred healthy volunteers were used as controls. Three markers of MT were monitored in plasma samples: sCD14 and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) were quantified using ELISA, and 16S rDNA was quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Zonulin and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I‐FABP) blood levels were also monitored as indirect markers of gut permeability, using ELISA.

Results

At baseline, LBP, 16S rDNA, sCD14 and I‐FABP markers were significantly higher in patients with AUD than in HC. Six weeks after alcohol withdrawal plasma levels of sCD14 and LBP decreased significantly. Cannabis consumption and body mass index (BMI) before alcohol withdrawal influenced baseline MT levels and the decrease in MT markers after 6 weeks. Finally, markers of MT and gut permeability did not correlate with each other before and after alcohol withdrawal.

Conclusions

Before alcohol withdrawal, MT markers were higher in patients with AUD than in HC. After 6 weeks of abstinence, an improvement in MT markers was observed. Our data suggest that there is a link between MT, its improvement, BMI, and cannabis consumption.
Baseline fragmented QRS increases the risk of major arrhythmic events in Brugada syndrome: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rattanawong Pattara , Riangwiwat Tanawan , Prasitlumkum Narut , Limpruttidham Nath , Kanjanahattakij Napatt , Chongsathidkiet Pakawat , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Chung Eugene H.
Published: October 2017

Background

Fragmented QRS reflects disturbances in the myocardium predisposing the heart to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. Recent studies suggest that fragmented QRS (fQRS) is associated with major arrhythmic events in Brugada syndrome. However, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature has not been done. We assessed the association between fQRS and major arrhythmic events in Brugada syndrome by a systematic review of the literature and a meta‐analysis.

Methods

We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 2017. Included studies were published prospective or retrospective cohort studies that compared major arrhythmic events (ventricular fibrillation, sustained ventricular tachycardia, sudden cardiac arrest, or sudden cardiac death) in Brugada syndrome with fQRS versus normal QRS. Data from each study were combined using the random‐effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Nine studies from January 2012 to May 2017 were included in this meta‐analysis involving 2,360 subjects with Brugada syndrome (550 fQRS and 1,810 non‐fQRS). Fragmented QRS was associated with major arrhythmic events (pooled risk ratio =3.36, 95% confidence interval: 2.09‐5.38, p < .001, I2 = 50.9%) as well as fatal arrhythmia (pooled risk ratio =3.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.40‐6.86, p = .005, I2 = 69.7%).

Conclusions

Baseline fQRS increased major arrhythmic events up to 3‐fold. Our study suggests that fQRS could be an important tool for risk assessment in patients with Brugada syndrome.
Racial disparities in comorbidity and severe maternal morbidity/mortality in the United States: an analysis of temporal trends
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Wick James , Ronksley Paul
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Severe maternal morbidity and mortality have increased in the USA in recent years. This trend has not been consistent across all racial groups. The reasons behind this, and the relation between preexisting conditions, pregnancy‐associated disease and severe maternal morbidity/mortality, have not been fully explored.

Material and methods

Annual data on delivery hospitalizations between 1993 and 2012 were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), representing a 20% sample of hospital discharges from across the USA. Chi‐square tests for trend were used to examine temporal patterns in the proportion of pregnancies affected by comorbidities as defined by the Obstetric Comorbidity Score and were stratified by maternal race. Logistic regression was used to determine the impact of temporal increases in comorbidity on severe maternal morbidity/mortality.

Results

In 1993, 34.3% of pregnancies had a comorbidity score of ≥1; this significantly increased to 44.1% by 2012 (p < 0.001). Baseline differences were observed between all races (Whites 33.7%, Blacks 34.5%, Hispanics 28.0%, Asian/Pacific Islanders 28.1%). Although significant increases were observed for all races, the relative rate of change was lowest for Whites (26.1% increase) and highest for Asian/Pacific Islanders (49.1% increase). The odds of severe maternal morbidity/mortality have steadily increased over time; however, adjustment for Obstetric Comorbidity Score significantly attenuates this correlation.

Conclusion

The rate of both preexisting comorbidities and pregnancy‐associated disease is increasing in pregnant women in the USA and varies substantially by race. These trends provide valuable insight into the increasing complexity of pregnancy in the USA and explain a proportion of the observed increase in severe maternal morbidity/mortality.
Preoperative methylprednisolone increases plasma Pentraxin 3 early after total knee arthroplasty: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lindberg-Larsen V , Kehlet H , Pilely K , Bagger J , Rovsing M L , Garred P
Published: October 2017

Preoperative glucocorticoid administration reduces the systemic inflammatory response. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a novel inflammatory marker belonging to the humoral arm of innate immunity exerting a potentially protective host response. This study evaluated PTX3 and other complement marker changes after preoperative methylprednisolone (MP) early after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Seventy patients were randomized (1 : 1) to preoperative intravenous (i.v.) MP 125 mg (group MP) or isotonic saline i.v. (group C). The outcomes included change in plasma PTX3, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), ficolins (ficolin-1, −2 and −3), complement components (C4 and C3), terminal complement complex (TCC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Blood samples were analysed at baseline and 2, 6, 24 and 48 h after surgery with complete sampling from 63 patients for analyses. MP resulted in an increase in circulating PTX3 compared to saline from baseline to 24 h postoperatively (P < 0·001), while MP reduced the systemic inflammatory response (CRP) 24 and 48 h postoperatively (P < 0·001). However, the small postoperative changes in MBL, ficolin-1, −2 and −3, C4, C3 and TCC concentrations did not differ between groups (P > 0·05). In conclusion, preoperative MP 125 mg increased circulating PTX3 and reduced the general inflammatory response (CRP) early after TKA, but did not affect other complement markers.
Association ofMEOX2polymorphism with nonsyndromic cleft palate only in a Vietnamese population
Authors: Tran Duy L. , Imura Hideto , Mori Akihiro , Suzuki Satoshi , Niimi Teruyuki , Ono Maya , Sakuma Chisato , Nakahara Shinichi , Nguyen Tham T.H. , Pham Phuong T. , Hoang Viet , Tran Van T.T. , Nguyen Minh D. , Natsume Nagato
Published: October 2017

To evaluate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs227493 in theMEOX2gene and nonsyndromic cleft palate only, this research was conducted as a case–control study by comparing a nonsyndromic cleft palate only group with an independent, healthy, and unaffected control group who were both examined by specialists. Based on clinical examination and medical records, we analyzed a total of 570 DNA samples, including 277 cases and 293 controls, which were extracted from dry blood spot samples collected from both the Odonto and Maxillofacial Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City and Nguyen Dinh Chieu Hospital in Ben Tre province, respectively. The standard procedures of genotyping the specific SNP (rs2237493) forMEOX2were performed on a StepOne Realtime PCR system with TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Significant statistical differences were observed in allelic frequencies (allele T and allele G) between the non‐syndromic cleft palate only and control groups in female subjects, with an allelic odds ratio of 1.455 (95% confidence interval: 1.026–2.064) andP < 0.05. These study findings suggest that nonsyndromic isolated cleft palate might be influenced by variation ofMEOX2, especially SNP rs2237493 in Vietnamese females.
Political transition and emergent forest‐conservation issues in Myanmar
Authors: Prescott Graham W. , Sutherland William J. , Aguirre Daniel , Baird Matthew , Bowman Vicky , Brunner Jake , Connette Grant M. , Cosier Martin , Dapice David , De Alban Jose Don T. , Diment Alex , Fogerite Julia , Fox Jefferson , Hlaing Win , Htun Saw , Hurd Jack , LaJeunesse Connette Katherine , Lasmana Felicia , Lim Cheng Ling , Lynam Antony , Maung Aye Chan , McCarron Benjamin , McCarthy John F. , McShea William J. , Momberg Frank , Mon Myat Su , Myint Than , Oberndorf Robert , Oo Thaung Naing , Phelps Jacob , Rao Madhu , Schmidt‐Vogt Dietrich , Speechly Hugh , Springate‐Baginski Oliver , Steinmetz Robert , Talbott Kirk , Than Maung Maung , Thaung Tint Lwin , Thawng Salai Cung Lian , Thein Kyaw Min , Thein Shwe , Tizard Robert , Whitten Tony , Williams Guy , Wilson Trevor , Woods Kevin , Ziegler Alan D. , Zrust Michal , Webb Edward L.
Published: October 2017

Political and economic transitions have had substantial impacts on forest conservation. Where transitions are underway or anticipated, historical precedent and methods for systematically assessing future trends should be used to anticipate likely threats to forest conservation and design appropriate and prescient policy measures to counteract them. Myanmar is transitioning from an authoritarian, centralized state with a highly regulated economy to a more decentralized and economically liberal democracy and is working to end a long‐running civil war. With these transitions in mind, we used a horizon‐scanning approach to assess the 40 emerging issues most affecting Myanmar's forests, including internal conflict, land‐tenure insecurity, large‐scale agricultural development, demise of state timber enterprises, shortfalls in government revenue and capacity, and opening of new deforestation frontiers with new roads, mines, and hydroelectric dams. Averting these threats will require, for example, overhauling governance models, building capacity, improving infrastructure‐ and energy‐project planning, and reforming land‐tenure and environmental‐protection laws. Although challenges to conservation in Myanmar are daunting, the political transition offers an opportunity for conservationists and researchers to help shape a future that enhances Myanmar's social, economic, and environmental potential while learning and applying lessons from other countries. Our approach and results are relevant to other countries undergoing similar transitions.
Haemoglobin‐mediated response to hyper‐thermal stress in the keystone speciesDaphnia magna
Authors: Cuenca Cambronero Maria , Zeis Bettina , Orsini Luisa
Published: October 2017

Anthropogenic global warming has become a major geological and environmental force driving drastic changes in natural ecosystems. Due to the high thermal conductivity of water and the effects of temperature on metabolic processes, freshwater ecosystems are among the most impacted by these changes. The ability to tolerate changes in temperature may determine species long‐term survival and fitness. Therefore, it is critical to identify coping mechanisms to thermal and hyper‐thermal stress in aquatic organisms. A central regulatory element compensating for changes in oxygen supply and ambient temperature is the respiratory protein haemoglobin (Hb). Here, we quantify Hb plastic and evolutionary response inDaphnia magnasubpopulations resurrected from the sedimentary archive of a lake with known history of increase in average temperature and recurrence of heat waves. By measuring constitutive changes in crude Hb protein content among subpopulations, we assessed evolution of the Hb gene family in response to temperature increase. To quantify the contribution of plasticity in the response of this gene family to hyper‐thermal stress, we quantified changes in Hb content in all subpopulations under hyper‐thermal stress as compared to nonstressful temperature. Further, we tested competitive abilities of genotypes as a function of their Hb content, constitutive and induced. We found that Hb‐rich genotypes have superior competitive abilities as compared to Hb‐poor genotypes under hyper‐thermal stress after a period of acclimation. These findings suggest that whereas long‐term adjustment to higher occurrence of heat waves may require a combination of plasticity and genetic adaptation, plasticity is most likely the coping mechanism to hyper‐thermal stress in the short term. Our study suggests that with higher occurrence of heat waves, Hb‐rich genotypes may be favoured with potential long‐term impact on population genetic diversity.
Macromolecular rate theory (MMRT) provides a thermodynamics rationale to underpin the convergent temperature response in plant leaf respiration
Authors: Liang Liyin L. , Arcus Vickery L. , Heskel Mary A. , O'Sullivan Odhran S. , Weerasinghe Lasantha K. , Creek Danielle , Egerton John J. G. , Tjoelker Mark G. , Atkin Owen K. , Schipper Louis A.
Published: October 2017

Temperature is a crucial factor in determining the rates of ecosystem processes, for example, leaf respiration (R) – the flux of plant respired CO2 from leaves to the atmosphere. Generally, R increases exponentially with temperature and formulations such as the Arrhenius equation are widely used in earth system models. However, experimental observations have shown a consequential and consistent departure from an exponential increase in R. What are the principles that underlie these observed patterns? Here, we demonstrate that macromolecular rate theory (MMRT), based on transition state theory (TST) for enzyme‐catalyzed kinetics, provides a thermodynamic explanation for the observed departure and the convergent temperature response of R using a global database. Three meaningful parameters emerge from MMRT analysis: the temperature at which the rate of respiration would theoretically reach a maximum (the optimum temperature, Topt), the temperature at which the respiration rate is most sensitive to changes in temperature (the inflection temperature, Tinf) and the overall curvature of the log(rate) versus temperature plot (the change in heat capacity for the system, ). On average, the highest potential enzyme‐catalyzed rates of respiratory enzymes for R are predicted to occur at 67.0 ± 1.2°C and the maximum temperature sensitivity at 41.4 ± 0.7°C from MMRT. The average curvature (average negative ) was −1.2 ± 0.1 kJ mol−1 K−1. Interestingly, Topt, Tinf and appear insignificantly different across biomes and plant functional types, suggesting that thermal response of respiratory enzymes in leaves could be conserved. The derived parameters from MMRT can serve as thermal traits for plant leaves that represent the collective temperature response of metabolic respiratory enzymes and could be useful to understand regulations of R under a warmer climate. MMRT extends the classic TST to enzyme‐catalyzed reactions and provides an accurate and mechanistic model for the short‐term temperature response of R around the globe.
A framework for the identification of hotspots of climate change risk for mammals
Authors: Pacifici Michela , Visconti Piero , Rondinini Carlo
Published: October 2017

As rates of global warming increase rapidly, identifying species at risk of decline due to climate impacts and the factors affecting this risk have become key challenges in ecology and conservation biology. Here, we present a framework for assessing three components of climate‐related risk for species: vulnerability, exposure and hazard. We used the relationship between the observed response of species to climate change and a set of intrinsic traits (e.g. weaning age) and extrinsic factors (e.g. precipitation seasonality within a species geographic range) to predict, respectively, the vulnerability and exposure of all data‐sufficient terrestrial non‐volant mammals (3,953 species). Combining this information with hazard (the magnitude of projected climate change within a species geographic range), we identified global hotspots of species at risk from climate change that includes the western Amazon basin, south‐western Kenya, north‐eastern Tanzania, north‐eastern South Africa, Yunnan province in China, and mountain chains in Papua‐New Guinea. Our framework identifies priority areas for monitoring climate change effects on species and directing climate mitigation actions for biodiversity.
Foraging behaviour of Magellanic Penguins during the early chick‐rearing period at Isla de los Estados, Argentina
Authors: Rosciano Natalia G. , Pütz Klemens , Polito Michael J. , Raya Rey Andrea
Published: October 2017

Studies of the at‐sea distribution and trophic ecology of penguins are essential to understand their role in the broader marine food web. Magellanic Penguins Spheniscus magellanicus have a wide distribution and their foraging behaviour varies across breeding sites and between sexes, among others. In this study, we characterized the at‐sea areas, the diving strategies and the relative trophic level of Magellanic Penguins breeding at Isla de los Estados, Argentina, during the early chick‐rearing period. In addition, we quantified the interannual, sexual and individual variability in those parameters during three breeding seasons (2011–2013) using devices recording position and dive depth, and obtained blood samples for stable isotope analysis. During the early chick‐rearing period, Magellanic Penguins showed small differences between the sexes in their foraging behaviour and large overlap in the at‐sea areas used, suggesting no intraspecific variation between sexes. Although there was interannual variability in the foraging behaviour and the trophic level of the penguins, most of the studied nests managed successfully to raise both chicks during the first stage of the breeding cycle (guard stage). The foraging ecology of Magellanic Penguins from this colony was comparable with results of past studies at other breeding colonies. This study contributes to the identification of important at‐sea areas for Magellanic Penguins at the southern edge of their distribution and also to the identification of possible threats in the study area such as interaction with fisheries.
Survival and detection of Bacillus cereus in the presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans after rechallenge in make‐up removers
Authors: Yossa N. , Arce G. , Smiley J. , Jo Huang M.‐C. , Yin L. , Bell R. , Tallent S. , Brown E. , Hammack T.
Published: October 2017

Objective

Pathogenic contamination of cosmetics intended to be applied on or around the eye area, including make‐up removers, may lead to severe eye infections. To assess the efficacy of antimicrobial preservatives in these products, we investigated the survival and detection of Bacillus cereus F 4227A spiked into make‐up removers, alone and in the presence of other relevant micro‐organisms.

Methods

Four brands of make‐up removers, A, B, C and D, were challenged three times (day 0, day 7 and day 14) using B. cereus, in pure and mixed cultures, at a final concentration of 5 log CFU per mL of Bacillus cereus or 6 log CFU per mL for other micro‐organisms. Inoculated samples were diluted and spiral‐plated after 30 min and 24 h of each challenge onto selective media for recovery of surviving micro‐organisms: BACARA (B. cereus), MacConkey (E. coli), ChromID (P. aeruginosa), XLT4 (S. enteritidis), Baird Parker agar (Staph. aureus) and PDA+chlortetracycline HCL (C. albicans).

Results

The population of B. cereus spiked as a pure culture increased significantly from the first to the third challenge after 30‐min exposure time, going from 0.73 to 2.59 in A, from 0.80 to 2.69 in B and from 0.80 to 1.67 log CFU per mL in C (P < 0.05). Likewise, the B. cereus population from the mixed cultures had a significantly higher survival count at the third challenge: from 0.12 log MPN per mL to 2.16 log CFU per mL in A, 0.57 to 2.27 log CFU per mL in B and from undetected (LOD = 0.48 log MPN) to 0.98 log CFU per mL in C, respectively. After challenges, Staph. aureus, C. albicans and P. aeruginosa increased in B; Staph. aureus and C. albicans in C; and E. coli and Staph. aureus in D. The growth of other bacteria types was unaffected by the number of challenges, but B. cereus population was detected with the third challenge.

Conclusion

It is appropriate to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of preservatives using at least three challenges, especially for cosmetics that are subjected to repetitive contamination by users.
Consumers as legitimating agents: How consumer‐citizens challenge marketer legitimacy on social media
Authors: Lillqvist Ella , Moisander Johanna K. , Firat A. Fuat
Published: October 2017

Previous research has shown that consumers increasingly challenge the legitimacy of marketers and unsolicited marketing communication in online contexts. Based on a qualitative study, this article examines how and for what reasons consumers challenge marketer legitimacy—the perceived appropriateness of marketers and their activities—in the empirical context of Reddit, a popular social news and community website. The study suggests that consumers challenge or accept marketer legitimacy in online communities based on particular, community and situation specific, legitimacy criteria that reflect and reproduce the values and norms of the community. In doing so, it is argued, consumers play a role as legitimating agents—consumer‐citizens that have the power to confer or deny legitimacy in the context of business‐society relations. Overall, the study advances knowledge in the field of consumer studies in two ways. First, it builds a symbolic interactionist perspective on consumer‐citizens as legitimating agents who enact their active citizenship role in the marketplace by assessing and constructing marketer legitimacy in online communities. Second, it offers an empirically grounded account of how and for what reasons consumer‐citizens challenge or accept the legitimacy of marketers and unsolicited marketing communication in online communities.
Antifungal resistance and physicochemical attributes of apricots coated with potassium sorbate‐added carboxymethyl cellulose‐based emulsion
Authors: Kowalczyk Dariusz , Kordowska‐Wiater Monika , Złotek Urszula , Skrzypek Tomasz
Published: October 2017

Antifungal effectiveness of potassium sorbate (KS) incorporated into edible coating composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and candelilla wax blend (CMC‐CnW) was tested on apricots inoculated with fungi. The efficiency of KS‐added coating was higher than KS‐free formulation. The antifungal action of KS‐free coating was likely associated with a reduced access of oxygen to the infection sites and, consequently, modification of the gaseous atmosphere within the fruit tissues. Rhizopus nigricans as the fastest growing fungus was the most resistant to the coating treatment. In turn, KS‐loaded coating was very effective against Botrytis cinerea and Monilinia fructigena. Coating significantly delayed softening of apricots. The results of this study demonstrate that KS can be incorporated into coating to control common fungal diseases of apricots. Nevertheless, the CMC‐CnW coating treatment inhibited the respiratory functions and caused deterioration in the fruit sensory quality.
Maternal provision of non‐sex‐specific transformer messenger RNA in sex determination of the wasp Asobara tabida
Authors: Geuverink E. , Verhulst E. C. , van Leussen M. , van de Zande L. , Beukeboom L. W.
Published: October 2017

In many insect species maternal provision of sex‐specifically spliced messenger RNA (mRNA) of sex determination genes is an essential component of the sex determination mechanism. In haplodiploid Hymenoptera, maternal provision in combination with genomic imprinting has been shown for the parasitoid Nasonia vitripennis, known as maternal effect genomic imprinting sex determination (MEGISD). Here, we characterize the sex determination cascade of Asobara tabida, another hymenopteran parasitoid. We show the presence of the conserved sex determination genes doublesex (dsx), transformer (tra) and transformer‐2 (tra2) orthologues in As. tabida. Of these, At‐dsx and At‐tra are sex‐specifically spliced, indicating a conserved function in sex determination. At‐tra and At‐tra2 mRNA is maternally provided to embryos but, in contrast to most studied insects, As. tabida females transmit a non‐sex‐specific splice form of At‐tra mRNA to the eggs. In this respect, As. tabida sex determination differs from the MEGISD mechanism. How the paternal genome can induce female development in the absence of maternal provision of sex‐specifically spliced mRNA remains an open question. Our study reports a hitherto unknown variant of maternal effect sex determination and accentuates the diversity of insect sex determination mechanisms.
RNA interference and functional characterization of a tergal gland alpha amylase in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica L.
Authors: Myers A. J. , Gondhalekar A. D. , Fardisi M. , Pluchar K. D. , Saltzmann K. D. , Bennett G. W. , Scharf M. E.
Published: October 2017

German cockroach males possess tergal glands that secrete a combination of oligosaccharides, lipids and proteins. Four major proteins occur in the secretion, with one being the 63 kDa alpha‐amylase Blattella germanica Tergal Gland protein‐1 (BGTG‐1). Denaturing and starch gel electrophoresis coupled with peptide sequencing verified amylase activity for the BGTG‐1 protein. BGTG‐1 gene expression profiles were determined by using quantitative real‐time PCR to compare messenger RNA abundance among isolated tissues of males, females and gravid females. Differences in BGTG‐1 gene expression occurred among male tissues, with tergal gland tissue showing the highest expression. Tissues of nongravid and gravid females had significantly lower expression in comparison with male tergal glands (gravid females lowest). RNA interference (RNAi) was used to silence BGTG‐1 gene expression by injecting BGTG‐1 homologous double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) into male cockroaches. Groups injected with BGTG‐1 dsRNA showed ∼90% lower BGTG‐1 gene and protein expression compared to controls, which correlated with lower amylase activity in colorimetric assays. However, behavioural assays comparing precopulatory behaviour and mating success between RNAi and control males did not reveal differences. These results connect amylase gene expression and activity in tergal gland tissue but suggest other factors, such as other tergal gland components, may contribute more strongly to mating success.