bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of oral hygiene tools amongst hospitalised elders: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Srinivasan Murali , Delavy Joris , Schimmel Martin , Duong Stephan , Zekry Dina , Trombert Veronique , Gold Gabriel , Müller Frauke
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of various oral hygiene tools amongst hospitalised elders and to associate their cognitive status with the prevalence of tools and oral hygiene status.

Materials and method

Elderly hospitalised participants were included in the study and underwent a brief clinical intra‐oral examination. A semi‐structured questionnaire evaluated the awareness and personal possession of the various oral hygiene tools. Participants’ personal information and various clinical parameters including DMF (T) index, plaque index, CPITN index, denture plaque and calculus index were collected. Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were retrieved from the medical records. Linear regression models were applied for statistical analyses (P < 0.05).

Results

A total of 100 hospitalised elders (age = 84.5 ± 6.9 years; ♀ = 72, age = 84.9 ± 7.2 years; ♂ = 28, age = 83.3 ± 5.8 years) participated in this study. Awareness was high for manual toothbrush (100%), electric toothbrush (86%), dental floss (79%), interdental brush (44%), interdental stick (55%) and mouthwash (75%), but was low for tongue scraper (9%), while the prevalence of use was 93%, 17%, 27%, 21%, 29%, 39% and 4%, respectively. Linear regression models revealed plaque scores were lower when more hygiene tools were used by the participants (P = 0.0059). Participants with high MMSE scores had lower plaque scores (P = 0.0004) and possessed more oral hygiene tools (P = 0.0203).

Conclusion

Poor oral hygiene is often noticed in institutionalised elders and might be related to a lack of knowledge about existing oral hygiene tools. These may help optimising oral hygiene, especially in cognitively impaired elders. Oral hygiene tools should be prescribed according to the patient’s need, functional and cognitive status.
Methodology approaches and challenges in population‐based longitudinal study of a neuroprotective model for healthy longevity
Authors: Lau Huijin , Shahar Suzana , Hussin Norlela , Kamarudin Mohd ZA , Hamid Tengku AT , Mukari Siti Z‐MS , Rajab Nor F , Din Normah C , Omar Azahadi , Singh Devinder KA , Haron Hasnah , Sharif Razinah , Yahya Hanis M , Fitri Arimi , Manaf Zahara A , Mohammed Zainora , Ishak Wan S
Published: January 2019

Aim

The 36‐month Long‐Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging – Neuroprotective Model for Healthy Longevity among Malaysian Elderly was designed to address multidimensional aspects including psychosocial, biophysical health, nutrition and dietary pattern, and auditory and visual function to highlight the magnitude of these associations in a single study.

Methods

A total of 2322 respondents aged ≥60 years were recruited at baseline using the multistage sampling method, followed up at 18 months and 36 months.

Results

Response rates at baseline, 18 months and 36 months were 87.8%, 77.3% and 67.1%, respectively. At baseline, the prevalence of successful aging, usual aging and mild cognitive impairment was 11%, 73% and 16%, respectively. The prevalence of single and multimorbidity at baseline were 25.9% and 50.3%, respectively. The incidence rates of mild cognitive impairment at 18 months and 36 months were 6.5 and 5.6 per 100 person‐years. The incidence rates of multimorbidity at 18 months and 36 months were 23.7 and 21.5 per 100 person‐years, respectively.

Conclusions

The Long‐Term Research Grant Scheme project: Towards Usual Aging study provides an opportunity to investigate the interactions between wide ranges of aspects of the older population in a nationally representative sample of the older population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 233–239.
Sex Differences in Prevalence, Symptoms, Impact, and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Migraine and Probable Migraine: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Song Tae‐Jin , Cho Soo‐Jin , Kim Won‐Joo , Yang Kwang Ik , Yun Chang‐Ho , Chu Min Kyung
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study was conducted to investigate sex differences in the prevalence and clinical presentation of migraine and probable migraine in a general population‐based sample.

Background

While there is research on sex differences in clinical characteristics and their impact on migraine headache, only few studies have investigated sex differences in probable migraine in population‐based settings. Moreover, compared with Western countries, the prevalence of probable migraine in Asia is relatively high. This cross‐sectional study was designed to investigate sex differences in the prevalence and clinical presentation of migraine and probable migraine in a general population‐based sample.

Methods

We used the data of the Korean Headache‐Sleep Study, which is a nationwide survey on headache and sleep.

Results

We interviewed 7430 people, and 3114 of them agreed to participate in our study (rejection rate, 58.1%). Among these people, 419 withdrew their participation during the interview. Ultimately, 2695 people completed our survey (cooperation rate, 36.3%). The prevalence of overall migraine and probable migraine was 350/1350 (25.9%) for women and 172/1345 (12.8%) for men (P < .001, respectively). The prevalence of migraine (107/1350 [7.9%] vs 36/1345 [2.7%], P < .001) and probable migraine (243/1350 [18.0%] vs 136/1345 [10.1%], P < .001) was significantly higher among women than among men. Headache frequency per month (median [interquartile range]) (1.0 [0.3–3.0] vs 0.8 [0.3–2.0], P = .037), the visual analog scale score for headache intensity (5.0 [4.0–7.0] vs 5.0 [3.0–6.0], P = .019), and the impact of headache {Headache Impact Test‐6 score (47.0 [42.0–54.0] vs 44.0 [42.0–51.8], P = .013)} were significantly higher among women with probable migraine than men. Headache frequency per month (2.0 [0.4–4.0] vs 1.0 [0.3–2.0], P = .073), headache intensity (6.0 [5.0–8.0] vs 6.0 [4.2–7.0], P = .281), and the impact of headache (55.0 [48.0–61.0] vs 49.0 [46.3–60.8], P = .225) were not significantly different between women and men with migraine. Other comorbidities or associated symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, were not significantly different between women and men with migraine and probable migraine, except for nausea in probable migraine.

Conclusion

Women experience more severe symptoms and a higher impact of headache than men among participants with probable migraine. Our findings suggest that women with PM need a more intensive evaluation and treatment than men with PM.
Provenance identification based on EPMA analyses of heavy minerals: Case study of the Toki Sand and Gravel Formation, central Japan
Authors: Shimizu Mayuko , Sano Naomi , Ueki Tadamasa , Komatsu Tetsuya , Yasue Ken‐ichi , Niwa Masakazu
Published: January 2019

To perform efficient provenance analysis, a method for quick identification of heavy minerals by using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) was developed. The concentrations of 28 elements were measured in individual grains to identify the mineral species based on their chemical composition. Provenance rocks can be identified based on the abundance ratio of identified minerals and the chemical composition of specific minerals. This method was applied to samples from the Toki Sand and Gravel Formation in the Tono area, central Japan. At the sampling location, gravels of the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite and the Nohi Rhyolite were observed in the upper member, whereas gravels of only the Nohi Rhyolite were observed in the lower member. Heavy‐mineral compositions of the bedrock samples of the Nohi Rhyolite and the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite, as well as the sediments at the sampling location, were measured by EPMA analysis. Both bedrocks commonly contain ilmenite, biotite, allanite, and zircon, and the abundance ratios of heavy minerals were similar. Instead, MnO contents of ilmenite grains and Y2O3 contents of zircon grains were used as indexes to distinguish the two bedrocks. As a result, the Y2O3‐rich zircon grains (≥ 1 wt%) observed in the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite were obtained in the upper member but not in the lower member. The MnO contents of ilmenite grains were higher in the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite and the upper‐member sediments than those in the Nohi Rhyolite and the lower‐member sediments, although the difference was small probably because of Mn dissolution due to secondary alteration. These results indicate that the Naegi‐Agematsu Granite was added to the provenance of the sampling location after deposition of the lower member, which is consistent with the geological description. The change in provenance could have been caused by uplift and denudation of the Atera Mountains associated with reactivation of the nearby Atera Fault.
The role of biologics in the treatment of chronic granuloma annulare
Authors: Chen Alessandra , Truong Allison K. , Worswick Scott
Published: January 2019

Background

Granuloma annulare (GA), a benign inflammatory skin disease, is considered a Th1‐type delayed hypersensitivity reaction. Localized GA is likely to resolve spontaneously, whereas disseminated GA (DGA) may persist for decades and can be resistant to treatment. Biologics including TNF‐α inhibitors have been proposed and utilized as salvage therapy for GA and other related diseases, interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD), and actinic granuloma (AG).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using the combination of search terms “granuloma annulare,” “interstitial granulomatous dermatitis,” or “actinic granuloma” and either “biologics,” “etanercept,” “adalimumab,” “infliximab,” “ustekinumab,” “ixekizumab,” “secukinumab,” “guselkumab,” “golimumab,” “brodalumab,” “tildrakizumab,” or “certolizumab” from the years 1970–2017.

Results

Review of the literature revealed that 79.3% of the patients with GA, IGD, or AG who had been treated with demonstrated TNF‐α inhibitor therapy a clinical response.

Conclusions

TNF‐α inhibitor therapy has been used to treat chronic GA, IGD, and AG that involved extensive body surface areas. However, the literature is limited to case series lacking control groups. Randomized, controlled trials are required to establish evidence‐based treatment of GA and related cutaneous, granulomatous conditions.
Kinetics of pore formation and resulting properties of lightweight inorganic polymers
Authors: Denissen Jos , Kriskova Lubica , Pontikes Yiannis
Published: January 2019

Inorganic polymer (IP) foams could be used as an alternative to commonly available cellular concretes. To do so, however, it is crucial to understand how the foaming kinetics and the final foam properties can be controlled and tailored to delivered the desired performance. The research reported in this article investigates the influence of the SiO2/Na2O ratio of the activating solution, addition time of foaming agent, and temperature, on the reaction kinetics and final properties of a porous IP. The IPs were formed by activating fayalite slag, a by‐product of secondary copper production, with a sodium‐silicate solution. Foaming was achieved by introducing metallic Al into the formulation, oxidizing it in the alkaline environment, liberating H2 gas, and entrapping it. Reaction kinetics were assessed using isothermal calorimetry, rheology, and a dedicated setup to record the foaming. The mechanical and physical properties of the foam were assessed via compressive strength and water absorption measurements. Microstructural analysis was undertaken using electron microscopy and computed tomography. The results showed that by decreasing the SiO2/Na2O ratio and/or increasing the temperature, the reaction kinetics were accelerated. Regarding the properties, postponing the initiation of the foaming led to more uniform and smaller pores, resulting in an increased compressive strength‐to‐density ratio.
Thromboembolic events and need for anticoagulation therapy following left atrial appendage occlusion in patients with electrical isolation of the appendage
Authors: Gadiyaram Varuna K. , Mohanty Sanghamitra , Gianni Carola , Trivedi Chintan , Al‐Ahmad Amin , Burkhardt David J. , Gallinghouse Joseph G. , Hranitzky Patrick M. , Horton Rodney P. , Sanchez Javier E. , Della Rocca Domenico G. , Di Biase Luigi , Price Matthew J. , Couts Linda , Gibson Douglas , Natale Andrea
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Electrical isolation of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is an important adjunctive ablation strategy in patients with nonparoxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients who have impaired LAA contractility following isolation may require long‐term oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy irrespective of their CHADS2‐VASc score. Percutaneous LAA occlusion (LAAO) is a potential alternative to life‐long OAC therapy. We aimed to assess the rate of OAC discontinuation and thromboembolic (TE) events following percutaneous LAAO in patients who underwent LAA electrical isolation (LAAI).

Methods

This is a retrospective two‐center study of patients who underwent percutaneous LAAO following LAAI. Patients with at least 3‐month follow‐up were included in the study. The antithrombotic therapy and TE events at the time of the last follow‐up were noted.

Results

The LAA was successfully occluded in 162 (with Watchman device in 140 [86.4%] and Lariat in 22 [13.6%]). A total of 32 patients had leaks detected on the 45‐day transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE); 21 (15%) Watchman and 11 (50%) Lariat cases (P = 0.0001). Two (one Watchman and one Lariat) of the 32 leaks were more than 5 mm. After the 45‐day TEE, 150 (92.6%) patients were off‐OAC. No TE events were reported in the 150 patients who stopped the anticoagulants. Four (2.47%) patients experienced stroke following the LAAO (three Watchman and one Lariat) procedure while on‐OAC, two of which were fatal. At the median follow‐up of 18.5 months, 159 (98.15%) patients were off‐anticoagulant.

Conclusion

Up to 98% of patients with LAAI could safely discontinue OAC after undergoing the appendage closure procedure.
The use of bioactive factors to enhance bone regeneration: A narrative review
Authors: Donos Nikos , Dereka Xanthippi , Calciolari Elena
Published: January 2019

Aim

This review critically appraises the available knowledge on the pre‐clinical and clinical use of bioactive factors for bone regeneration in the cranial and maxillofacial area.

Materials and Methods

The use of growth factors, amelogenins and autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) for bone regeneration was reviewed in a systematic manner. More specifically, pre‐clinical and clinical studies on ridge preservation, alveolar ridge augmentation, regeneration of peri‐implant defects and sinus augmentation models were considered.

Results

Amongst different bioactive factors, the highest pre‐clinical and clinical evidence of a positive effect on bone formation is associated with rhBMP‐2 and the lowest with amelogenins. WhileAPCs seem to accelerate clinical healing and reduce postoperative discomfort, there is insufficient and contrasting evidence of a significant effect on hard tissue regeneration for the different clinical applications.

Conclusions

Although there is increasing evidence that bioactive factors might enhance the bone regeneration process, the great heterogeneity of the available studies and the limited number ofRCTs do not allow to draw robust conclusions. Issues that still need to be investigated include the optimal carriers for bioactive agents (direct vs. indirect), the dosage, the timing of administration, as well as the possibility of combining different agents to promote synergistic effects.
Bone grafts: which is the ideal biomaterial?
Authors: Haugen Håvard Jostein , Lyngstadaas Ståle Petter , Rossi Filippo , Perale Giuseppe
Published: January 2019

Bovine xenograft materials, followed by synthetic biomaterials, which unfortunately still lack documented predictability and clinical performance, dominate the market for the cranio‐maxillofacial area. In Europe, new stringent regulations are expected to further limit the allograft market in the future.

Aim

Within this narrative review, we discuss possible future biomaterials for bone replacement.

Scientific Rationale for Study

Although the bone graft (BG) literature is overflooded, only a handful of new BG substitutes are clinically available. Laboratory studies tend to focus on advanced production methods and novel biomaterial features, which can be costly to produce.

Practical Implications

In this review, we ask why such a limited number of BGs are clinically available when compared to extensive laboratory studies. We also discuss what features are needed for an ideal BG.

Results

We have identified the key properties of current bone substitutes and have provided important information to guide clinical decision‐making and generate new perspectives on bone substitutes. Our results indicated that different mechanical and biological properties are needed despite each having a broad spectrum of variations.

Conclusions

We foresee bone replacement composite materials with higher levels of bioactivity, providing an appropriate balance between bioabsorption and volume maintenance for achieving ideal bone remodelling.
Discerning microbial and quality attributes of differently slaughtered and dead poultry meat
Authors: Rahman Hafiz Ubaid ur , Sahar Amna , Khan Muhammad Issa , Jamil Amer
Published: January 2019

Globally, various methods of slaughtering have been practiced for the production of chicken meat. Among these methods, Halal slaughtering is implemented to produce Halal chicken. This method involves cutting the throat to bring the animal toward quick death without anguishing. Additionally, Halal slaughtering also favors rapid blood flow and more bleeding. Slaughtering methods are concorded with composition, quality, and microbial safety of meat, mediated by varied blood retention. Accordingly, the present work was aimed to explicate the effect of various slaughtering methods on quality and safety of broiler meat. Results revealed that significant compositional changes were observed in meat obtained from different slaughtering methods. Additionally, Halal‐slaughtered meat showed less nitrogenous losses (TVBN = 9.81 mgN/100 g), high water holding capacity (72.02%), better shear‐force value (21.37 g), and normal color (L* = 48.59, a* = 0.85, b* = 11.56) as compared to other slaughtering methods and dead meat. Additionally, Halal‐slaughtered meat contained less number of total plate count (4.28 log10CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae count (3.12 log10CFU/g), Salmonella (2.74 log10CFU/g), and E. coli (2.78 log10CFU/g) counts in comparison with the other slaughtering methods and dead meat samples. Findings of the study indicate that slaughtering methods significantly influence the quality and microbial status of broiler meat.

Practical applications

In recent years, the international market for meat obtained from animals/birds slaughtered by using various religious methods has become important for supplying the desired meat globally. Although several studies have been conducted in this domain but most of the published data mainly emphasize the work related to the use of conventional slaughtering methods with limited comparison to religious slaughtering methods. However, some projects have also addressed the issues related to the impact of slaughtering methods on meat quality. Discussion related to religious slaughtering has been in progress around the world. Accordingly, the present study was conducted in this regard for providing some more information and facilitating the existing and upcoming discussions on the merits and demerits of several slaughtering methods with special reference to meat quality and safety.
PI3K signalling in leptin receptor cells: Role in growth and reproduction
Authors: Garcia‐Galiano David , Borges Beatriz C. , Allen Susan J. , Elias Carol F.
Published: January 2019

Nutrition and growth are important signals for pubertal development, although how they are perceived and integrated in brain circuits has not been well defined. Growth hormones and metabolic cues both recruit phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) signalling in hypothalamic sites, although whether they converge into the same neuronal population(s) is also not known. In this review, we discuss recent findings from our laboratory showing the role of PI3K subunits in cells directly responsive to the adipocyte‐derived hormone leptin in the coordination of growth, pubertal development and fertility. Mice with deletion of PI3K p110α and p110β catalytic subunits in leptin receptor cells (LRΔα+β) have a lean phenotype associated with increased energy expenditure, locomotor activity and thermogenesis. The LRΔα+β mice also show deficient growth and delayed puberty. Deletion of a single subunit (ie, p110α) in LR cells (LRΔα) causes a similar phenotype of increased energy expenditure, deficient growth and delayed pubertal development, indicating that these functions are preferably controlled by p110α. The LRΔα mice show enhanced leptin sensitivity in metabolic regulation but, remarkably, these mice are unresponsive to the effects of leptin on growth and puberty. PI3K is also recruited by insulin and a subpopulation of LR neurones is responsive to i.c.v. insulin administration. Deletion of insulin receptor in LR cells causes no changes in body weight or linear growth and induces only a mild delay in pubertal completion. Our findings demonstrate that PI3K in LR cells plays an essential role in growth and reproduction. We will also discuss the potential neural pathways underlying these effects.
Activated vitamin D3 formulations can be safely used as concomitant medication for prevention of denosumab‐induced hypocalcemia in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Saito Shin , Sugo Yoshinobu , Tsuburai Taku , Kurasawa Kentaro , Nakamura Tomomi , Yoshikata Hiromi , Miyagi Etsuko , Sakakibara Hideya
Published: January 2019

Aim

Denosumab prevents osteoporosis by potently inhibiting bone resorption, but requires oral therapy with calcium and vitamin D preparations to prevent the side effects of hypocalcemia. Generally, a combination drug containing calcium, natural vitamin D, and magnesium is used. However, if activated vitamin D has been used before the initiation of denosumab therapy, continued use of activated vitamin D is not uncommon. This study aimed to evaluate the combination vitamin D preparation, alfacalcidol, and eldecalcitol on the therapeutic effect on denosumab therapy, the preventive effect on hypocalcemia, and the effect on renal function, to determine the optimal choice of concomitant medication.

Methods

This is a retrospective and single‐center study. Among 39 patients who had used denosumab (60 mg dose) for at least 12 months between November 2013 and October 2015, those who used the combination medication concomitantly as the standard treatment, those who used alfacalcidol concomitantly, and those who used eldecalcitol concomitantly were compared.

Results

Denosumab therapy markedly increased lumbar spine and femoral neck bone densities at 12 months in the three groups, showing no particular difference in the rate of increase of bone density. The three groups had marked decreases in bone metabolism markers, but had no intergroup differences. No hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, or obvious renal dysfunction occurred over 12 months.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the use of activated vitamin D preparations, as concomitant medications with denosumab therapy, is appropriate considering the therapeutic efficacy of denosumab, prevention of hypocalcemia, and influence on renal function.
Short‐term efficacy of two breast pumps and impact on breastfeeding outcomes at 6 months in exclusively breastfeeding mothers: A randomised trial
Authors: Fewtrell Mary , Kennedy Kathy , Lukoyanova Olga , Wei Zhuang , Potak Debra , Borovik Tatiana , Namazova‐Baranova Leyla , Schanler Richard
Published: January 2019

The provision of breast pumps is a potential strategy to increase breastfeeding duration. This trial compared the effectiveness and acceptability of two breast pumps in mothers exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) their healthy term infant. It also tested whether provision of pumps versus vouchers of equivalent value influenced breastfeeding or attainment of mothers' goals at 3 and 6 months. Mothers were randomised at 3‐ to 4‐week post‐partum (Beijing [n = 30], Moscow [n = 34], London [n = 45], New York [n = 3]) to groups A (Philips single‐electric pump, Natural bottle), B (Medela Swing single‐electric pump, Calma bottle), or C (Control; vouchers). At 6 weeks, group A and B mothers expressed for 10 min/breast; milk weight and opinions of pump/bottle were recorded. Feeding practices were assessed using questionnaires at 3 and 6 months. Milk weight/flow pattern did not differ between groups. Pump A scored significantly better for ease‐of‐use, cushion‐feel, need‐to‐lean‐forward, pleasant, comfort. At 3 and 6 months, %EBF or meeting their goal was not significantly different; (3 months: 86%, 85%, 84%; 6 months: 20%, 15%, 26%; meeting goal 24%, 17%, 27% for A, B, and C). Expressed breast milk (EBM) provision was higher in groups A and B (3 months: 76%, 76%, 24% (p < 0.001); 6 months: 83%, 87%, 32% (p < 0.001); and negatively predicted EBF at 6 months (OR no EBM 5.07, 95% CI [1.56, 16.5]). The pumps were equally effective for milk expression at 6 weeks. Pump provision did not significantly influence breastfeeding practices or attainment of goals but resulted in higher EBM provision, which was associated with lower EBF but not other breastfeeding categories at 6 months.
Rice black‐streaked dwarf virus P10 acts as either a synergistic or antagonistic determinant during superinfection with related or unrelated virus
Authors: Zhang Hehong , Tan Xiaoxiang , He Yuqing , Xie Kaili , Li Lulu , Wang Rong , Hong Gaojie , Li Junmin , Li Jing , Taliansky Michael , MacFarlane Stuart , Yan Fei , Chen Jianping , Sun Zongtao
Published: January 2019

Rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV), a member of the genus Fijivirus, is a devastating pathogen of crop plants. RBSDV S10 encodes a capsid protein (P10) that is an important component of the double‐layered particle. However, little information is available on the roles of RBSDV P10 in viral infection or in interactions with other viruses. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of P10 in plants alleviates the symptoms of both RBSDV and the closely related Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), and reduces the disease incidence, but renders the plants more susceptible to the unrelated Rice stripe virus (RSV). Further experiments suggest that P10‐mediated resistance to RBSDV and SRBSDV operates at the protein level, rather than the RNA level, and is not a result of post‐transcriptional gene silencing. Transcriptomic data reveal that the expression of P10 in plants significantly suppresses the expression of rice defence‐related genes, which may play important roles in resistance to RSV infection. After infection with RBSDV, plants are more resistant to subsequent challenge by SRBSDV, but more susceptible to RSV. Overall, these results indicate that P10 acts as an important effector in virus interactions.
The population genetic diversity and pattern of Pteroceltis tatarinowii, a relic tree endemic to China, inferred from SSR markers
Authors: Fan Jia‐Jia , Zhang Xiao‐Ping , Liu Kang , Liu Hui‐Jun , Zhang Li , Wang Xiao‐Ping , Li Xiao‐Hong
Published: January 2019

Pteroceltis tatarinowii (Cannabaceae), a relic tree endemic to China, is mainly distributed in limestone mountains and has a wide geographical range. In this study, 12 microsatellite primer pairs were assayed to analyse the genetic pattern and gene flow among 461 individuals sampled from 23 wild populations of P. tatarinowii. A high level of genetic diversity was detected based on high values of total alleles (159), the number of alleles (NA = 6.373), expected heterozygosity (HE = 0.696) and observed heterozygosity (HO = 0.679). The high genetic diversity in this species may be attributed to its long‐life history, wide geographical distribution and wind dispersal. Only low genetic differentiation (GST = 0.137, FST = 0.138) was found among populations. Gene flow (migrants per generation, Nm) was estimated to be 1.56. This moderate level of gene flow possibly decrease interpopulation differentiation by buffering against genetic drift and improving gene exchange. However, spatial genetic structure was detected throughou the sampled range of the species (r = 0.311, p < 0.05) as well as in southern China (r = 0.453, p < 0.05), and may be related to terrain heterogeneity and the demographic history of P. tatarinowii. The east‐west high mountains of southern China might serve as physical barriers to seed and pollen flow. The isolation and local adaptation of different refugia may further limit gene flow. In addition, geographically remote populations might fail to effectively disperse pollen and seeds. Based on the above‐mentioned results, some suggestions for the conservation of the species are presented.
Anatomical constraints to nonstomatal diffusion conductance and photosynthesis in lycophytes and bryophytes
Authors: Carriquí Marc , Roig‐Oliver Margalida , Brodribb Timothy J. , Coopman Rafael , Gill Warwick , Mark Kristiina , Niinemets Ülo , Perera‐Castro Alicia V. , Ribas‐Carbó Miquel , Sack Lawren , Tosens Tiina , Waite Mashuri , Flexas Jaume
Published: January 2019

Photosynthesis in bryophytes and lycophytes has received less attention than terrestrial plant groups. In particular, few studies have addressed the nonstomatal diffusion conductance to CO2 gnsd of these plant groups.

Their lower photosynthetic rate per leaf mass area at any given nitrogen concentration compared with vascular plants suggested a stronger limitation by CO2 diffusion. We hypothesized that bryophyte and lycophyte photosynthesis is largely limited by low gnsd. Here, we studied CO2 diffusion inside the photosynthetic tissues and its relationships with photosynthesis and anatomical parameters in bryophyte and lycophyte species in Antarctica, Australia, Estonia, Hawaii and Spain.

On average, lycophytes and, specially, bryophytes had the lowest photosynthetic rates and nonstomatal diffusion conductance reported for terrestrial plants. These low values are related to their very thick cell walls and their low exposure of chloroplasts to cell perimeter.

We conclude that the reason why bryophytes lie at the lower end of the leaf economics spectrum is their strong nonstomatal diffusion conductance limitation to photosynthesis, which is driven by their specific anatomical characteristics.
Body size changes in bivalves of the family Limidae in the aftermath of the end‐Triassic mass extinction: the Brobdingnag effect
Authors: Atkinson Jed W. , Wignall Paul B. , Morton Jacob D. , Aze Tracy
Published: January 2019

Reduction in body size of organisms following mass extinctions is well‐known and often ascribed to the Lilliput effect. This phenomenon is expressed as a temporary body size reduction within surviving species. Despite its wide usage the term is often loosely applied to any small post‐extinction taxa. Here we assess the size of bivalves of the family Limidae (Rafineque) prior to, and in the aftermath of, the end‐Triassic mass extinction event. Of the species studied only one occurs prior to the extinction event, though is too scarce to test for the Lilliput effect. Instead, newly evolved species originate at small body sizes and undergo a within‐species size increase, most dramatically demonstrated by Plagiostoma giganteum (Sowerby) which, over two million years, increases in size by 179%. This trend is seen in both field and museum collections. We term this within‐species size increase of newly originated species in the aftermath of mass extinction, the Brobdingnag effect, after the giants that were contemporary with the Lilliputians in Swift's Gulliver's Travels. The size increase results from greater longevity and faster growth rates. The cause of the effect is unclear, although it probably relates to improved environmental conditions. Oxygen‐poor conditions in the Early Jurassic are associated with populations of smaller body size caused by elevated juvenile mortality but these are local/regional effects that do not alter the long‐term, size increase. Although temperature‐size relationships exist for many organisms (Temperature‐Size Rule and Bergmann's Rule), the importance of this is unclear here because of a poorly known Early Jurassic temperature record.
Seasonal Minimum and Maximum Solar Ultraviolet Exposure Measurements of Classroom Teachers Residing in Tropical North Queensland, Australia
Authors: Downs Nathan J. , Igoe Damien P. , Parisi Alfio V. , Taylor Olivia , Lazzaroni Shari L. , Rawlings Alex , Garzón‐Chavez Daniel R. , Harrison Simone L.
Published: January 2019

The risk of keratinocyte skin cancer, malignant melanoma and ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced eye disease is disproportionately higher in Australia and New Zealand compared to equivalent northern hemisphere latitudes. While many teachers are aware of the importance of reinforcing sun safety messages to students, many may not be aware of the considerable personal exposure risk while performing outdoor duties in locations experiencing high to extreme ambient UVR year‐round. Personal erythemally effective exposure of classroom teachers in tropical Townsville (19.3°S) was measured to establish seasonal extremes in exposure behavior. Mean daily personal exposure was higher in winter (91.2 J m‐2, 0.91 Standard Erythema Dose [SED]) than summer (63.3 J m−2, 0.63 SED). The range of exposures represents personal exposures that approximate current national guidelines for Australian workers at the study latitude of approximately 1.2 SED (30 J m−2 effective to the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection). Similar proportions of teachers spent more than 1 h outdoors per day in winter (28.6%) and summer (23.6%) as part of their teaching duties with seasonal differences having little effect on the time of exposure. Personal exposures for teachers peaked during both seasons near school meal break times at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, respectively.
Mexico’s National Security Paradoxes and Threats in a Geopolitical Context
Authors: Rodríguez Sumano Abelardo
Published: January 2019

This article examines Mexico’s national security paradoxes and threats in a geopolitical context from a politico‐historical perspective into a contemporary setting. It argues that, despite Mexico’s nascent democratic transition, none of the various elite groups in power have been able to conceive a broad, democratic security doctrine. On the contrary, realpolitik and regime security form the tradition and true nature of the national security permeating the political system. There are serious doubts that Mexico’s next president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, will change this historical legacy. Despite the widespread desire for change, corruption and impunity are more prevalent than ever, setting the stage for conflict with the United States—the world’s biggest drug consumer and the primary vendor of weaponry to Mexico’s criminal organizations. This situation is exacerbated by Mexico’s interdependence and shared geopolitics with its northern neighbor. The combination of these internal and external factors places Mexico’s future in question.
Managing Perishable Inventory Systems with Product Returns and Remanufacturing
Authors: Fu Ke , Gong Xiting , Liang Guitian
Published: January 2019

Motivated by emerging practice in the cut flower industry, we consider a periodic‐review inventory system for a perishable product with a lifetime of two periods. There are two separate customer demands for the new product with two‐period remaining lifetime and the old product with one‐period remaining lifetime, and a fixed proportion of the unsatisfied demand for one product will purchase the other product as a substitute. One distinctive feature of our system is that a random portion of the sold new product is returned and can be remanufactured and remarketed as the old product for sale. The objective is to maximize the expected total discounted profit over a finite planning horizon. We show that the optimal remanufacturing policy is a modified base–stock policy, and that the optimal manufacturing quantity of the new product decreases in the inventory level of the old product after remanufacturing. Furthermore, when the inventory level of the old product is large, the optimal manufacturing quantity asymptotically approaches a constant, which is lower and upper bounded by two newsvendor fractile solutions. We also conduct a numerical study to derive insights into the effects of remanufacturing and demand substitution. In particular, we show that remanufacturing can be a powerful way of mitigating negative environmental impacts in the cut flower industry. Finally, we discuss two model extensions that allow a joint production capacity and a multi‐period lifetime.
Flexible Products for Dynamic Preferences
Authors: Alptekinoğlu Aydın , Ramachandran Karthik
Published: January 2019

Consumers often have needs that change in a dynamic fashion over time due to physiological, mental, or environmental variations. We develop a model to address a product strategy question on how to satisfy dynamic consumer preferences: Should a firm offer multiple standard products, each designed for a specific purpose (e.g., several specialized golf clubs), or a flexible product that can be reconfigured by consumers as their preferences change (e.g., one adjustable golf club)? Often the latter approach is fuelled by new technology, like the dial‐a‐dose system that Novo Nordisk invented and perfected over the years for its insulin pens. We find that products that deliver a high utility to consumers are ideal candidates for flexible designs, as higher utility encourages reconfiguration and justifies a flexibility premium. We also discover a non‐obvious relationship between optimal product strategy and dynamic consumer preferences. Intuition suggests that product flexibility would be more valuable when consumer preferences are less predictable. Instead, we find that a flexible product does not always lead to higher profits when consumer preferences are more uncertain; flexibility is most profitable when preference uncertainty is in an intermediate range. Additionally, we derive insights regarding the role of consumer patience, unit production costs, utility and durability differences between flexible and standard products, and heterogeneity in consumers’ product valuations. We find that imperfect durability can be an advantage for flexible products, and that heterogeneity can lead to a hybrid optimal product strategy, where offering a mix of flexible and standard products enables price discrimination between high‐ and low‐valuation consumers.
Does child verbal ability mediate the relationship between maternal sensitivity and later self‐regulation? A longitudinal study from infancy to 4 years
Authors: Frick Matilda A. , Forslund Tommie , Brocki Karin C.
Published: January 2019

There is a need to further examine the mechanisms by which maternal sensitivity influences the development of child self‐regulation. This study investigated the role of maternal sensitivity when infants were 10 months old and child verbal ability at 18 months, in relation to various aspects of self‐regulation at 48 months, in a sample of 95 typically developing children (46.3% girls). In particular, the study examined, from a Vygotskian perspective, whether child verbal ability, as measured by receptive and expressive language, mediated the relationship between maternal sensitivity and hot and cool aspects of self‐regulation in the child. As hypothesized, maternal sensitivity predicted child verbal ability, as well as working memory, set shifting, and delay of gratification. Child receptive language predicted set shifting, inhibition, and delay of gratification. In addition, receptive language mediated the relationship between maternal sensitivity and inhibition only. Additive effects of maternal sensitivity and child receptive language in relation to set shifting were found, and a main effect of maternal sensitivity on child delay of gratification. The results add to the body of research suggesting that responsive parenting and child verbal ability are important for the development of self‐regulation, and suggest that different mechanisms may be at work for different aspects of self‐regulation.
China and the changing economic geography of coffee value chains
Authors: Neilson Jeffrey , Wang Ju‐Han Zoe
Published: January 2019

For the past three centuries, the economic geography of the global coffee sector has been characterized by the supply of beans from tropical countries for consumption in North America and Europe, with various modes of value chain coordination enacted by lead firms to ensure reliable and affordable supply. This pattern is now fundamentally changing, with growth in coffee consumption in emerging markets, including China, exceeding that in established markets. But China is not only a growing consumer market, it is less well known that rapidly increasing agricultural production in Yunnan province of southwest China has also inserted the country as an important source region for coffee, and this has been pivotal in facilitating the emergence of Chinese lead firms in the sector. This article presents the emergence of China, and Chinese firms, at a critical juncture for the structure and governance of the global value chain for coffee. The processes through which this is occurring are outlined, and the implications for regional development prospects across Southeast Asia are discussed. We argue that the changing economic geography of coffee value chains, and their increasing driven‐ness by Chinese actors, is starting to reshape the regional coffee industry in profoundly new ways.
Surgical smoke – what are the risks?
Authors: Addley Susan , Quinn Declan
Published: January 2019

Key content

Surgical smoke is generated by energy‐based surgical instruments, and all staff and patients are potentially exposed to it in the operating theatre environment.

The components of surgical smoke include water and chemicals, with potential bacterial and viral transmission also described.

Surgical smoke inhalation has been associated with respiratory tract symptoms, as well as possible infective and carcinogenic risk.

Existing guidance recommends appropriate personal protection and adequate ventilation as best practice against this occupational hazard.

Learning objectives

To identify the sources and components of surgical smoke.

To raise awareness of the potential health risks associated with surgical smoke exposure.

To educate in risk‐reducing strategies and practices.

Ethical issues

Practitioners need to be made aware of the health risks associated with surgical smoke.

Employers have a health and safety duty to provide safe systems of work.

Occupational health hazards and their prevention should be a component of formal training.
The Investigation of the Attitudes of Preservice Teachers Regarding the Rights of the Child
Authors: Kiral Bilgen
Published: January 2019

The research was designed in the descriptive survey model, which is one of the quantitative research methods, with the aim of revealing the attitudes of preservice teachers regarding the rights of the child. The target population of the research was composed of 1419 students studying in the classroom teaching departments in education faculties of seven universities from seven different geographical regions of Turkey in 2017-2018 academic year, which were selected by random sampling. The research was carried out with 818 students who were selected by multiphase sampling and who volunteered to participate in the study. The scale in the research was named “questionnaire for measuring attitudes towards children’s rights”. The data was collected with this scale. According to the results, it was found that students’ attitudes towards children’s rights who participated in the research were high. While no significant differences were found according to the students’ class levels and taking course regarding child/human rights variables, there were significant differences according to gender and university variables. It was revealed that the attitudes of the female students regarding the rights of the child were higher than those of male students; and the attitudes of the students regarding the rights of the child in Trakya University were higher than those in Adiyaman University. Regarding the results obtained, various suggestions were made such as giving the courses related to the rights of the child within the framework of compulsory courses and increasing the informative education activities for male students regarding the rights of the child.
Validation Metrics for Deterministic and Probabilistic Data
Authors: Maupin Kathryn A. , Swiler Laura P. , Porter Nathan W.
Published: January 2019

Computational modeling and simulation are paramount to modern science. Computational models often replace physical experiments that are prohibitively expensive, dangerous, or occur at extreme scales. Thus, it is critical that these models accurately represent and can be used as replacements for reality. This paper provides an analysis of metrics that may be used to determine the validity of a computational model. While some metrics have a direct physical meaning and a long history of use, others, especially those that compare probabilistic data, are more difficult to interpret. Furthermore, the process of model validation is often application-specific, making the procedure itself challenging and the results difficult to defend. We therefore provide guidance and recommendations as to which validation metric to use, as well as how to use and decipher the results. An example is included that compares interpretations of various metrics and demonstrates the impact of model and experimental uncertainty on validation processes.
Study on the Failure Mechanism of Burn-Through During In-Service Welding on Gas Pipelines
Authors: Qian Wu , Yong Wang , Tao Han , Hongtao Wang , Shiwei Gu , Laihui Han
Published: January 2019

We conclude on the governing mechanism of burn-through and identify the area of highest risk for burn-through occurrence due to a specific combination of loading in this area. In order to investigate the mechanism of burn-through during in-service welding, an exploratory study combining both experiments and finite element simulations was presented. Combined with the theory of high-temperature failure, the initial position of burn-through and its mechanism were discussed. The results showed that burn-through was a kind of intergranular brittle rupture happened at the cooling stage of in-service welding. It started from the partially melted zone, and the cracks expanded along the weakened grain boundaries. When the cracks eventually penetrated to the inner wall, burn-through happened.