bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value of inferior mesenteric artery lymph node metastasis in cancer of the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum
Authors: Rao X. , Zhang J. , Liu T. , Wu Y. , Jiang Y. , Wang P. , Chen G. , Pan Y. , Wu T. , Liu Y. , Wan Y. , Huang S. , Wang X.
Published: March 2018

Aim

This study aimed to analyse the potential significance of metastasis to the inferior mesenteric artery lymph node (IMA‐LN) in patients with malignancy of the left colon and rectum.

Method

A retrospective analysis of a cohort of 890 patients collected prospectively who underwent radical resection of a primary tumour of the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum in our department from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into an IMA‐LN metastasis (IMA‐LN (+)) group (n = 51) and a non IMA‐LN metastasis (IMA‐LN (‐)) group (n = 839). A total of 801 patients were followed by a designated member of the study staff. Clinical features, pathological characteristics, recurrence patterns and survival rates were compared between the two groups.

Results

In the IMA‐LN (+) group, the risk ratio of overall recurrence and tumour related death was 7.786 (95% CI 4.142–14.637) and 7.756 (95% CI 4.142–14.525) respectively. Significant differences were found in overall survival (log‐rank: χ2 = 69.06, P < 0.0001) and disease‐free survival (log‐rank: χ2 = 69.06, P < 0.0001) between the two groups. Furthermore, there were significant differences in overall survival (log‐rank: χ2 = 18.47, P < 0.0001) and disease‐free survival (log‐rank: χ2 = 16.99, P < 0.0001) between the IMA‐LN (−) and IMA‐LN (+) subgroups of patients with Stage N2 disease. Multivariate survival analysis indicated that IMA‐LN (+) was an independent risk factor of poor prognosis. There was no difference in the prognosis between high tie and low tie with IMA‐LN dissection.

Conclusion

Inferior mesenteric artery lymph node metastasis was an independent predictive factor for high systemic recurrence. Low ligation of the IMA with IMA‐LN dissection was not inferior to high ligation.
Corporate governance of audit firms: Assessing the usefulness of transparency reports in a Europe‐wide analysis
Authors: La Rosa Fabio , Caserio Carlo , Bernini Francesca
Published: March 2018

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Based on both institutionalized agency theory and meso‐level theory, this study examines corporate governance disclosure in an audit firm's transparency report (TR) and whether more disclosure is associated with (a) the audit function of the country in which it is disclosed; (b) high levels of investor confidence in public interest entities (PIEs) shown in the portfolio of the audit firm; and (c) increased competition within the audit market.

Research Findings/Insights

On the basis of content analysis, different measures of a corporate governance disclosure index (CGDI) are calculated for a sample of 122 auditing firms from 10 European countries over the period 2010–2012. Despite attempts at harmonizing audit practice across the EU, results confirm the role of institutional context in explaining differences among European countries. Moreover, while the CGDI reveals that the TR does improve investor confidence, no evidence was found that the new disclosure requirement unsettled audit market concentration.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Results support arguments of the institutionalized agency theory that audit firms’ corporate governance disclosures depend on both firm‐ and country‐level factors. Moreover, the interplay between these macro and meso factors explains the information asymmetry reduction that exists between auditors and shareholders, thus improving micro‐level investor confidence.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The study provides an analysis of audit firm transparency based on the information disclosed in mandatory TRs. Policymakers and practitioners may benefit from the knowledge of items included in the TRs expected to impact on investor confidence. It also proposes the use of the TR for achieving market competition strategies, although it may be inefficient.
Digital disparities and vulnerability: mobile phone use, information behaviour, and disaster preparedness in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lai Chih‐Hui , Chib Arul , Ling Rich
Published: March 2018

This paper proposes an ecological view to investigate how disparities in mobile technology use reflect vulnerabilities in communities vis‐à‐vis disaster preparedness. Data (n=1,603) were collected through a multi‐country survey conducted equally in rural and urban areas of Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, and Vietnam, where mobile technology has become a dominant and ubiquitous communication and information medium. The findings show that smartphone users' routinised use of mobile technology and their risk perception are significantly associated with disaster preparedness behaviour indirectly through disaster‐related information sharing. In addition to disaster‐specific social support, smartphone users' disaster‐related information repertoires are another strong influencing factor. In contrast, non‐smartphone users are likely to rely solely on receipt of disaster‐specific social support as the motivator of disaster preparedness. The results also reveal demographic and rural–urban differences in disaster information behaviour and preparedness. Given the increasing shift from basic mobile phone models to smartphones, the theoretical and policy‐oriented implications of digital disparities and vulnerability are discussed.
The role of Confucianism in South Korea's emergency management system
Authors: Ha Kyoo‐Man
Published: March 2018

Numerous Western researchers have examined the influence of Confucianism on development in Asia, but almost no South Korean researchers have studied the topic in regard to emergency management in their own country. This study begins by considering Confucianism as a social culture. Next, it goes on to evaluate its role in South Korea's emergency management system, contributing, ultimately, to efficiencies in emergency management. Drawing on a literature review and a case study, the paper assesses the double‐ and single‐faced approaches, using four major Confucian components: destiny; family; ritual; and relation. The double‐faced approach includes the positive and negative aspects of emergency management, whereas the single‐faced approach incorporates only its positive aspects. This paper provides, for the first time, a systematic analysis of the relationship between Confucianism and emergency management in South Korea. Its key finding is that the double‐faced approach needs to be transformed into a single‐faced approach through active facilitation of behavioural change.
EMISSION TAXES, CLEAN TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION, AND PRODUCT MARKET COLLUSION: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Yong Soo Keong , Friesen Lana , McDonald Stuart
Published: March 2018

We use a laboratory experiment to study the link between cooperative research and development (R&D) in clean technology and collusion in a downstream product market in the presence of a time‐consistent emissions tax. Such a tax creates additional interconnections between firms, in addition to the standard technological spillovers. Our results show a strong link between R&D cooperation and market collusion under symmetric R&D spillovers in a duopoly, but when the spillovers are asymmetric, R&D cooperation does not necessarily result in collusion. With symmetric spillovers, the link between R&D cooperation and collusion remains strong even in three‐ and four‐firm industries. (JELC90, L5, O30, Q55)
Specificity of the Association between Marital Discord and Longitudinal Changes in Symptoms of Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Whisman Mark A. , Robustelli Briana L. , Labrecque Lindsay T.
Published: March 2018

This longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate actor and partner effects of marital discord on changes in symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in a large population sample of Irish adults (N = 1,445 couples), adjusting for the potential confounds of quality of other social relationships and other psychopathology symptoms. The Actor–Partner Interdependence Model was used to examine actor and partner effects of marital discord on changes in symptoms of depression and GAD at a 2‐year follow‐up. Additional models examined these associations adjusting for family and friend discord and symptoms of the other type of psychopathology (depressive or GAD symptoms). Actor effects of marital discord on depressive and anxiety symptoms were greater for men than for women. There were significant, positive actor effects of marital discord on depressive symptoms for husbands and wives, which remained significant when adjusting for family and friend discord and GAD symptoms. There were significant, positive actor effects of marital discord on GAD symptoms for husbands, which remained significant when adjusting for family and friend discord and depressive symptoms. Results demonstrate that longitudinal associations between marital discord and depressive symptoms (for wives and husbands) and GAD symptoms (for husbands) are incremental to other rival explanations (family and friend discord and the other set of symptoms). Findings provide evidence for a potential causal association leading from marital discord to symptoms of depression and GAD.
Associations of Army Fathers’ PTSD Symptoms and Child Functioning: Within‐ and Between‐Family Effects
Authors: Parsons Aleja , Knopp Kayla , Rhoades Galena K. , Allen Elizabeth S. , Markman Howard J. , Stanley Scott M.
Published: March 2018

This study examined the within‐family and between‐family associations between fathers’ military‐related PTSD symptoms and parent ratings of children's behavioral and emotional problems. The sample included married couples (N = 419) with children composed of a civilian wife and an active‐duty husband serving in the U.S. Army. Results indicate that changes in fathers’ PTSD symptoms over time were associated with corresponding changes in both mothers’ and fathers’ reports of child behavioral and emotional problems. These within‐family findings were independent from between‐family effects, which showed that higher average PTSD symptomatology was associated with more overall behavioral and emotional problems for children. This study uses advances in statistical methodologies to increase knowledge about how PTSD symptoms and child problems are related, both across different families and over time within families.
Parental Perceptions of Individual and Dyadic Adjustment as Predictors of Observed Coparenting Cohesion: A Cross‐National Study
Authors: Tissot Hervé , Kuersten‐Hogan Regina , Frascarolo France , Favez Nicolas , McHale James P.
Published: March 2018

Over the past 20 years, systemically guided approaches to understanding early family processes have helped to provide greater clarity concerning the interplay among individual, dyadic, and family level processes. Parental depression, marital functioning, and child adjustment in particular appear to be reliable predictors of coparental and family level functioning. Indeed, cohesion at the level of the family group covaries in theoretically meaningful ways with these indicators of individual and dyadic adjustment. In this study, two collaborating research groups (one in Switzerland, the second in the United States) partnered to examine whether similar patterns of relationships exist among individual and marital adjustment and coparenting processes in families of 4‐year‐old children. Using similar constructs but disparate and occasionally dissimilar measures, both groups measured parent‐reported depression, marital satisfaction, and child behavior problems. Coparenting cooperation and warmth were observed during family interactions. Despite differences between samples and evaluation tools, similar results were found for the Swiss and U.S. samples. A model with depression, marital satisfaction, and child symptoms as predictors of a latent factor of observed coparenting cooperation and warmth showed good fit to data in both samples, suggesting the model was relevant for each. Parameter estimation showed that higher coparenting cooperation and warmth was predicted by lower maternal depression and higher child internalizing symptoms. The common significant effects despite differences in assessment paradigms and instrumentation are of substantive interest. Future directions pertinent to the coparenting questions addressed in this research are discussed.
Biomass market dynamics supporting the large‐scale deployment of high‐octane fuel production in the United States
Authors: Lamers Patrick , Nguyen Ruby T. , Hartley Damon S. , Hansen Jason K. , Searcy Erin M.
Published: March 2018

US Department of Energy research aimed at co‐optimizing fuels and engine performance identified several bioblendstocks that can improve fuel economy including an aromatic‐rich hydrocarbon derived from woody biomass. This work supports an analysis of its large‐scale deployment implying a production target of approximately 15 billion liters of bioblendstock for the supply of 57 billion liters of high‐octane fuel by 2050. It simulates potential transition pathways to lignocellulosic feedstock market structures capable of supplying a mature biorefining industry at this scale. In the present absence of biorefineries, transitions are modeled via nonbiofuel feedstock markets, so‐called companion markets. The resource distribution across several demand industries is simulated to determine biomass availability and price dynamics over time. Results indicate that the wood supply base is mainly influenced by traditional markets including housing and pulp and paper. The selected companion market of wood pellet combustion for heat and electricity generation is found to positively stimulate biomass mobilization, especially in the initial absence of biorefineries. Eventually, biorefineries are found to be able to out‐compete the companion market. As such, they directly benefit from the processing (i.e., pelleting) capacity established to produce commodity‐type intermediates for the companion market. We conclude that the amount of bioblendstock produced is directly related to the size of the companion market (and its pelleting capacity). An initially larger companion market generates up to 20 million dry tonnes of additional feedstock, equivalent to 27 commercial‐scale biorefineries, or an additional production of 5 billion liters by 2050. Distinguishing between industry‐specific feedstock preferences based on average biomass quality characteristics, this analysis goes beyond past research efforts that assume automatic fungibility across different feedstocks. Improving engine performance is a key driver for the promotion of low‐carbon fuels derived from bioblendstocks. This analysis portrays feedstock market transition pathways for their large‐scale deployment.
Mapping cropland waterway buffers for switchgrass development in the eastern Great Plains, USA
Authors: Gu Yingxin , Wylie Bruce K.
Published: March 2018

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a highly productive perennial grass, has been recommended as one potential source for cellulosic biofuel feedstocks. Previous studies indicate that planting perennial grasses (e.g., switchgrass) in high‐topographic‐relief cropland waterway buffers can improve local environmental conditions and sustainability. The main advantages of this land management practice include (i) reducing soil erosion and improving water quality because switchgrass requires less tillage, fertilizers, and pesticides; and (ii) improving regional ecosystem services (e.g., improving water infiltration, minimizing drought and flood impacts on production, and serving as carbon sinks). In this study, we mapped high‐topographic‐relief cropland waterway buffers with high switchgrass productivity potential that may be suitable for switchgrass development in the eastern Great Plains (EGP). The US Geological Survey (USGS) Compound Topographic Index map, National Land Cover Database 2011, USGS irrigation map, and a switchgrass biomass productivity map derived from a previous study were used to identify the switchgrass potential areas. Results show that about 16 342 km2 (c. 1.3% of the total study area) of cropland waterway buffers in the EGP are potentially suitable for switchgrass development. The total annual estimated switchgrass biomass production for these suitable areas is approximately 15 million metric tons. Results from this study provide useful information on EGP areas with good cellulosic switchgrass biomass production potential and synergistic substantial potential for improvement of ecosystem services.
SlugIn 1.0: A Free Tool for Automated Slug Test Analysis
Authors: Martos‐Rosillo Sergio , Guardiola‐Albert Carolina , Padilla Benítez Alberto , Delgado Pastor Joaquín , Azcón González Antonio , Durán Valsero Juan José
Published: March 2018

The correct characterization of aquifer parameters is essential for water‐supply and water‐quality investigations. Slug tests are widely used for these purposes. While free software is available to interpret slug tests, some codes are not user‐friendly, or do not include a wide range of methods to interpret the results, or do not include automatic, inverse solutions to the test data. The private sector has also generated several good programs to interpret slug test data, but they are not free of charge. The computer program SlugIn 1.0 is available online for free download, and is demonstrated to aid in the analysis of slug tests to estimate hydraulic parameters. The program provides an easy‐to‐use Graphical User Interface. SlugIn 1.0 incorporates automated parameter estimation and facilitates the visualization of several interpretations of the same test. It incorporates solutions for confined and unconfined aquifers, partially penetrating wells, skin effects, shape factor, anisotropy, high hydraulic conductivity formations and the Mace test for large‐diameter wells. It is available in English and Spanish and can be downloaded from the web site of the Geological Survey of Spain. Two field examples are presented to illustrate how the software operates.
Epitaxial growth of 3C–SiC on Si(111) and (001) by laser CVD
Authors: Zhu Peipei , Yang Meijun , Xu Qingfang , Sun Qingyun , Tu Rong , Li Jun , Zhang Song , Li Qizhong , Zhang Lianmeng , Goto Takashi , Shi Ji , Li Haiwen , Ohmori Hitoshi , Kosinova Marina , Basu Bikramjit
Published: March 2018

Epitaxial 3C–SiC films have been deposited on Si(111) and Si(001) substrates via laser CVD with deposition rate of 12.32 and 15.56 μm/h, respectively. The activation energy of 3C–SiC on Si(111) and Si(001) was 80 and 160 kJ/mol, and the root mean square (RMS) roughness (w) as a function of the film thickness (h) follows power laws of w~h0.31 and w~h0.06, respectively. The growth mechanisms of epitaxial 3C–SiC films on Si(111) and Si(001) was investigated based on the structural analysis and roughness evolution.
Superhydrophobic and oleophilic micro‐nano hierarchical Pd‐decorated SiO2 layers
Authors: Kim Jae‐Hun , Mirzaei Ali , Kim Hyoun Woo , Kim Sang Sub
Published: March 2018

This paper reports a novel fluorinated micro‐nano hierarchical Pd‐decorated SiO2 structure (hereafter called Pd/SiO2), which was formed by the deposition of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) on SiO2 microspheres. The SiO2 layers with microscale roughness were fabricated by electrospraying a solution prepared using the sol‐gel process. Subsequently, the Pd NPs were deposited using an ultraviolet reduction process. The resulting surfaces exhibited a micro‐nano hierarchical morphology. After fluorination, the micro‐nano hierarchical surface exhibited outstanding water repellency with a water contact angle (WCA) of 170° and a sliding angle <5°, indicating excellent superhydrophobic properties. The layers exhibited good long‐term durability and excellent ultraviolet resistance. Interestingly, the surface was oleophilic (CA of oil ~10°). These results show the potential of employing superhydrophobic fluorinated Pd/SiO2 layers in smart devices, such as self‐cleanable surfaces and intelligent water/oil separation systems.
First principles calculation of single‐crystal elastic constants of titanium tetraboride (Ti3B4) and experimental validation
Authors: Rou Somnaang , Chandran K. S. Ravi
Published: March 2018

The nine independent single‐crystal elastic constants of a new ceramic, titanium tetraboride (Ti3B4), have been determined by first principles calculations, and the data were validated experimentally through nanoindentation testing. The independent elastic constants, which are specific to the crystal structure, are important for the fundamental characterization of mechanical and physical properties of the group of hard compounds such as the transition metal borides. The elastic constants of Ti3B4were determined from crystal strain energies that were calculated by applying specific deformations withinWIEN2k platform utilizing full‐potential linear augmented plane wave (FLAPW) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). TheWIEN2K package is based on all‐electron calculations, and hence is considered as the most accurate for first principles calculations. It has been found that the polycrystalline elastic moduli, determined as the Voigt‐Reuss‐Hill averages of the independent elastic constants, are quite impressive (E= 492GPa,G= 217GPa,B= 224GPa,ν= 0.13) placing the tetraboride very close to the well‐known titanium diboride (E= 570GPa,G= 254GPa,B= 249GPa,ν= 0.12). The strong B‐B chains were found to be largely responsible for the high values of elastic stiffness constants, in particular thec33describing stiffness in the [001] direction. The electron charge densities were found to be accumulated to a higher degree along the B‐B bonds, resulting in strengthening of the B‐B chains in the lattice. The promising data motivated the first experimental synthesis of Ti3B4in a bulk form, which is also described in this work. To validate the elastic constants determined from first principles, elastic moduli were determined by nanoindentations in multiple grains of a polycrystalline Ti3B4, synthesized by electric field‐activated reaction sintering. The range of elastic moduli determined from nanoindentation was found to agree well with the range determined by computation. The calculations and experiments demonstrate that Ti3B4has the potential to be one of the leading structural ceramics.
Emerging depression in adolescence coincides with accelerated frontal cortical thinning
Authors: Bos Marieke G.N. , Peters Sabine , van de Kamp Ferdi C. , Crone Eveline A. , Tamnes Christian K.
Published: March 2018

Background

Adolescence is a transition period characterized by heightened emotional reactivity, which for some sets the stage for emerging depressive symptoms. Prior studies suggest that adolescent depression is associated with deviant cortical and subcortical brain structure. Longitudinal studies are, however, currently scarce, but critical to detect which adolescents are at risk for developing depressive symptoms.

Methods

In this longitudinal study, a community sample of 205 participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in three biennial waves (522 scans) spanning 5 years across ages 8–25 years. Depressive symptomatology was assessed using self‐report at the third time point. Mixed models were used to examine the relations between structural brain development, specifically regional change in cortical thickness, surface area and subcortical volumes (hippocampus and amygdala), and depressive symptoms.

Results

Accelerated frontal lobe cortical thinning was observed in adolescents who developed depressive symptoms at the third time point. This effect remained after controlling for parent‐reported affective problems at the first time point. Moreover, the effect was driven by specific lateral orbitofrontal and precentral regions. In addition, differential developmental trajectories of parietal cortical thickness and surface area in several regions were found for participants reporting higher depressive symptomatology, but these results did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Volumes or developmental volume changes in hippocampus or amygdala were not related to depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

This study showed that emerging depression is associated with cortical thinning in frontal regions within individuals. These findings move beyond detecting cross‐sectional correlations and set the stage for early detection, which may inform future intervention.
Impact of the mechanical hyperkeratotic lesions and its association with quality of life: An observational case–control study
Authors: López‐López D. , Painceira‐Villar R. , Becerro‐de‐Bengoa‐Vallejo R. , Losa‐Iglesias M.E. , Rodríguez‐Sanz D. , Palomo‐López P. , Calvo‐Lobo C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Mechanical hyperkeratotic lesions (MHL) are common condition amongst population of all ages. Such problems may be associated with pain, reduction in mobility, changes of gait and risk of falls and is believed to affect the quality of life (QoL), general health and optimal foot health.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to describe and compare both foot and general health‐related QoL in two groups of participants: (i) withMHLand (ii) healthy controls.

Method

A total sample of 150 patients, mean age 49.50 ± 36.50 years, was recruited from an outpatient clinic. Demographic data, medical history and clinical characteristics of overall health were determined, and the obtained values were compared by the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ).

Results

TheFHSQscores of the sample withMHLshowed lower scores than control subjects in sections one and two for footwear, general and foot health, foot pain, foot function and physical activity (P< 0.01), but not for social capacity and vigour (P> 0.01).

Conclusions

People withMHLshowed a decrease in QoL, based onFHSQscores, regardless of gender.
Outcomes of radiation therapy of indolent cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas and literature review
Authors: Gauci M.‐L. , Quero L. , Ram‐Wolff C. , Guillerm S. , M'Barek B. , Lebbé C. , Bagot M. , Hennequin C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Primary cutaneous B‐cell lymphomas represent approximately 25% of primary cutaneous lymphomas. Follicular centre cell lymphomas (PCFCL) and marginal zone lymphomas (PCMZL) are the two histological subtypes that present an indolent evolution. Radiotherapy is one of the recommended treatment options with few series reported.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate radiotherapy outcomes in term of overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) for patients suffering from a PCMZL or PCFCL, to search for predictive factors of recurrence, and to evaluate chronic and aesthetics adverse events and patient's satisfaction.

Methods

Patients treated with contact low energy radiotherapy for a PMZCL or PCFCL from April 2009 to June 2017 in Saint Louis hospital were retrospectively analysed. Total dose ranged from 18 to 30 Gy. Objective response (OR) rates, DFS and OS as patterns of recurrence according to radiation fields were analysed. Univariate analysis of DFS has been performed according to clinical and biological parameters. Acute toxicity, long‐term adverse events and satisfaction were collected via individualized questionnaires.

Results

Forty‐six patients were included. Median follow‐up was 43.5 months. OR was achieved for 100% of cases. Recurrence occurred in 39% of cases. Median DFS was 44 months. Three‐year DFS and 5‐year DFS were 56% and 51%, respectively. OS at 3 and 5 year was 100%. Only sex was significantly associated with DFS. Acute AEs occurred in 48% of cases without grade 3 and 4. 55% reported some moderate aesthetic sequelae for long‐term AEs. 97% were satisfied with treatment.

Conclusion

This study confirms the good risk–benefit of radiotherapy for the treatment of primary cutaneous indolent B‐cell lymphomas due to the high response rate and a long DFS. No significant factor for recurrence was identified, except female sex. Long‐term aesthetic evaluation was good or excellent for most of the patients.
Testing Wallace's intuition: water type, reproductive isolation and divergence in an Amazonian fish
Authors: Pires Tiago H. S. , Borghezan Elio A. , Machado Valeria N. , Powell Daniel L. , Röpke Cristhiana P. , Oliveira Claudio , Zuanon Jansen , Farias Izeni P.
Published: March 2018

Alfred Russel Wallace proposed classifying Amazon rivers based on their colour and clarity: white, black and clear water. Wallace also proposed that black waters could mediate diversification and yield distinct fish species. Here, we bring evidence of speciation mediated by water type in the sailfin tetra (Crenuchus spilurus), a fish whose range encompasses rivers of very distinct hydrochemical conditions. Distribution of the two main lineages concords with Wallace's water types: one restricted to the acidic and nutrient‐poor waters of the Negro River (herein Rio Negro lineage) and a second widespread throughout the remaining of the species’ distribution (herein Amazonas lineage). These lineages occur over a very broad geographical range, suggesting that despite occurring in regions separated by thousands of kilometres, individuals of the distinct lineages fail to occupy each other's habitats, hundreds of metres apart and not separated by physical barrier. Reproductive isolation was assessed in isolated pairs exposed to black‐water conditions. All pairs with at least one individual of the lineage not native to black waters showed significantly lower spawning success, suggesting that the water type affected the fitness and contributed to reproductive isolation. Our results endorse Wallace's intuition and highlight the importance of ecological factors in shaping diversity of the Amazon fish fauna.
Regulation of eye and jaw colouration in three‐spined sticklebackGasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Franco‐Belussi L. , De Oliveira C. , Sköld H. N.
Published: March 2018

Fish can change their skin and eye colour for background matching and signalling. Males ofGasterosteus aculeatusdevelop ornamental blue eyes and a red jaw during the reproductive season, colours that are further enhanced during courtship. Here, the effects of different hormones on physiological colour changes in the eyes and jaws of male and femaleG. aculeatuswere investigatedin vitro. In anin vivoexperiment,G. aculeatuswere injected with a receptor blocker of a pivotal hormone (noradrenaline) that controls colour change. In males, noradrenaline had aggregating effects on melanophore and erythrophore pigments resulting in blue eyes and a pale jaw, whereas melanocyte‐concentrating hormone (MCH) and melatonin resulted in a pale jaw only. When noradrenalin was combined with melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH) or prolactin, the jaw became red, while the eyes remained blue.In vivoinjection of yohimbine, an alpha‐2 adrenoreceptor blocker, resulted in dispersion of melanophore pigment in the eyes and inhibited the blue colouration. Altogether, the data suggest that noradrenalin has a pivotal role in the short‐term enhancement of the ornamental colouration of maleG. aculeatus, potentially together with MSH or prolactin. This study also found a sex difference in the response to MCH, prolactin and melatonin, which may result from different appearance strategies in males,versusthe more cryptic females.
Consequences of electroshock‐induced narcosis in fish muscle: from mitochondria to swim performance
Authors: Teulier L. , Guillard L. , Leon C. , Romestaing C. , Voituron Y.
Published: March 2018

Adult zebrafish Danio rerio were exposed to an electric shock of 3 V and 1A for 5 s delivered by field backpack electrofishing gear, to induce a taxis followed by a narcosis. The effect of such electric shock was investigated on both the individual performances (swimming capacities and costs of transport) and at cellular and mitochondrial levels (oxygen consumption and oxidative balance). The observed survival rate was very high (96·8%) independent of swimming speed (up to 10 body length s−1). The results showed no effect of the treatment on the metabolism and cost of transport of the fish. Nor did the electroshock trigger any changes on muscular oxidative balance and bioenergetics even if red muscle fibres were more oxidative than white muscle. Phosphorylating respiration rates rose between (mean 1 s.e.) 11·16 ± 1·36 pmol O2 s−1 mg−1 and 15·63 ± 1·60 pmol O2 s−1 mg−1 for red muscle fibres whereas phosphorylating respiration rates only reached 8·73 ± 1·27 pmol O2 s−1 mg−1 in white muscle. Such an absence of detectable physiological consequences after electro‐induced narcosis both at organismal and cellular scales indicate that this capture method has no apparent negative post‐shock performance under the conditions of this study.
Tag retention and mortality of adult Atlantic salmon Salmo salar gastrically tagged with different sized telemetry transmitters
Authors: Kennedy R. J. , Allen M. , Wilson R.
Published: March 2018

A batch of 1 sea winter pre‐spawning adult Salmo salar from the Bush river in Northern Ireland, U.K., were gastrically tagged with large (13 mm diameter) and small (9 mm diameter) dummy acoustic telemetry tags alongside untagged control fish. Survival differed between control and tagged fish and the estimated probability of survival by the end of the study for control fish with no tag was 0·94, small tags was 0·90 and large tags was 0·72. Tag loss through regurgitation was slightly higher for fish tagged with larger tags than for fish tagged with smaller tags and the estimated probability of tag loss for fish with a small tag was 0·10 and for large tags was 0·14.
Physical Resilience: Not Simply the Opposite of Frailty
Authors: Whitson Heather E. , Cohen Harvey J. , Schmader Kenneth E. , Morey Miriam C. , Kuchel George , Colon‐Emeric Cathleen S.
Published: March 2018

See related editorial by George A. Kuchel
Coronal Microleakage of Teeth Restored with Cast Posts and Cores Cemented with Four Different Luting Agents after Thermocycling
Authors: Mohajerfar Maryam , Nadizadeh Kaveh , Hooshmand Tabasom , Beyabanaki Elaheh , Neshandar Asli Hamid , Sabour Siamak
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The apical seal provided by a root canal filling may be breached via coronal leakage. This study aimed to compare the teeth restored with custom‐made cast metal posts and cores cemented with different luting agents in terms of coronal microleakage after thermocycling.

Materials and Methods

This in vitro study was conducted on 32 extracted single‐canal teeth. Root canals were prepared by step‐back technique and filled with gutta percha and sealer. The coronal 7 mm of gutta percha was removed, and post space was prepared using peeso reamers #2 and #3 consecutively. After fabricating the acrylic resin patterns of the posts and cores, they were cast using Ni‐Cr metal alloy. The specimens were divided into 4 groups in which the castings were cemented using one of the following luting agents: zinc phosphate (ZP), glass ionomer (GI), Panavia F 2.0, and Speed CEM. After cementation, the teeth were immersed in distilled water and incubated for 7 days. Then, the teeth were subjected to thermocycling, immersed in silver nitrate for 6 hours, and finally sectioned. The degree of dye penetration into the coronal part of the specimens was measured using a stereomicroscope. Data were analyzed using Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann‐Whitey U tests with significance level of 0.05.

Results

The median microleakage in ZP, Speed CEM, GI, and Panavia were 171.89, 114.76, 26.51, and 20.02 μm, respectively. Pairwise comparisons among GI and ZP, GI, and Speed CEM, ZP and Panavia, ZP and Speed CEM, and Panavia and Speed CEM groups yielded significant differences (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Complete coronal seal was not achieved with any of the luting agents. The highest and the lowest degree of microleakage was yielded by ZP and Panavia luting agents, respectively.
Influence of Different Implant Geometry in Clinical Longevity and Maintenance of Marginal Bone: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lovatto Sabrina Telles , Bassani Rafaela , Sarkis‐Onofre Rafael , dos Santos Mateus Bertolini Fernandes
Published: March 2018

Purpose

To assess, through a systematic review, the influence of different implant geometries on clinical longevity and maintenance of marginal bone tissue.

Methods

An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, limited to studies written in English from 1996 to 2017 using specific search strategies. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared dental implants and their geometries were included. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies.

Results

From the 4006 references identified by the search, 24 were considered eligible for full‐text analysis, after which 10 studies were included in this review. A similar behavior of marginal bone loss between tapered and cylindrical geometries was observed; however, implants that had micro‐threads in the neck presented a slight decrease of marginal bone loss compared to implants with straight or smooth neck. Success and survival rates were high, with cylindrical implants presenting higher success and survival rates than tapered ones.

Conclusions

Implant geometry seems to have little influence on marginal bone loss (MBL) and survival and success rates after 1 year of implant placement; however, the evidence in this systematic review was classified as very low due to limitations such as study design, sample size, and publication bias. Thus, more well‐designed RCTs should be conducted to provide evidence regarding the influence of implant geometry on MBL and survival and success rates after 1 year of implant placement.
Prevalence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by transient elastography: Genetic and metabolic risk factors in a general population
Authors: Petta Salvatore , Di Marco Vito , Pipitone Rosaria Maria , Grimaudo Stefania , Buscemi Carola , Craxì Antonio , Buscemi Silvio
Published: March 2018

Background & Aims

The worldwide spread of obesity is leading to a dramatic increase in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its complications. We aimed to evaluate both prevalence and factors associated with NAFLD in a general population in a Mediterranean area.

Methods

We considered 890 consecutive individuals included in the community‐based ABCD (Alimentazione, Benessere Cardiovascolare e Diabete) study (ISRCTN15840340). Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were measured with FibroScan. Participants were genotyped for PNPLA3 rs738409 and TM6SF2 rs58542926 variants.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD in the cohort was 48%. NAFLD participants exhibited elevated LSM values, suggesting advanced fibrosis (6.5% of cases). Both NAFLD and advanced fibrosis were independently associated with traditional risk factors (NAFLD: age >50 years, obesity, hypertension, elevated ALT and low HDL‐cholesterol serum concentrations. Advanced fibrosis: IFG/diabetes, elevated ALT serum concentrations). A high prevalence (>60%) of NAFLD was found in obese people, while it varied widely in non‐obese people according to the presence of metabolic risk factors. PNPLA3 G variant (OR = 1.33, 95% C.I. = 1.01‐1.8; P < .05) was independently associated with NAFLD. Prevalence of advanced fibrosis (high LSM values) ranged from 3.4% (no risk factors) to 60% (presence of all risk factors). TM6SF2 T variant (OR = 3.06, 95% C.I. = 1.08‐8.65, P < .05) was independently associated with advanced fibrosis (high LSM values).

Conclusions

In a cohort of a general population, the prevalence of NAFLD was very high, and among NAFLD patients a significant proportion had advanced fibrosis (high LSM values). Apart from traditional risk factors, genetic factors may have a significant role that needs to be further investigated.
Developmental Trajectories in L2 Writing Strategy Use: A Self‐Regulation Perspective
Authors: SASAKI MIYUKI , MIZUMOTO ATUSHI , MURAKAMI AKIRA
Published: March 2018

This study adopts Oxford's (2017) definition of language learning strategies (LLS) framed by self‐regulation theory and explores the longitudinal development in the use of three second language (L2) writing strategies (global planning, local planning, L1‐to‐L2 translation) by Japanese university students as it interacts with cognitive, affective, and environmental variables. The study is innovative in its use of a comprehensive, theoretically supported definition of LLSs, a long observation period, and its use of an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Mixed effects modeling, which provides the main statistical analysis, enabled us to simultaneously investigate the participants’ strategy use at both group and individual level while relating these findings to the participants’ emic data from a self‐regulation perspective. The results reveal that (a) developmental trajectories in LLS use were differentially affected by other cognitive and environmental factors at both group and individual level, (b) the self‐regulation perspective was useful in explaining the systematicity and individuality observed in the developing use of the three strategies, and (c) students’ motivation related to study abroad experiences may be a key factor in understanding such trajectories.
The Expression of Upward Motion by Russian Speakers Acquiring French or English as a Foreign Language
Authors: IAKOVLEVA TATIANA , GRAS DORIANE
Published: March 2018

Research on multilingual acquisition has investigated various combinations of languages to identify the factors determining how learners express motion. Our research examines the semantics of motion expression in learners whose first language (L1) exhibits more variation than their foreign language (L2/L3). The present study compares upward motion expression in L1Russian instructed learners of L2English and L3French at an elementary level of proficiency. Drawing on second language acquisition (SLA) scenarios reported in previous research literature, we examine the extent to which the learners approximate target patterns. L2/L3 users and L1 control groups orally described animated clips (Hendriks & Hickmann, 2011) showing animals performing voluntary upward motion. Results show that, despite the use of neutral generics, L3French learners successfully approximated a verb‐framed pattern typical of L1French. L3French learners also showed the emergence of additional target motion components. L2English learners heavily relied on generic neutral verbs, which were used only occasionally by L1 speakers of English and never by L1 speakers of Russian. We argue that the learners’ approximation of a target system depends on the degree of overlap between generic means of motion expression available in a target language and its typical target means of motion expression.
A study of the operationalization of management controls in United Kingdom Private Finance Initiative contracts
Authors: Ahmad Salman , Connolly Ciaran , Demirag Istemi
Published: March 2018

Utilizing evidence from a United Kingdom (UK) road case study Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project, this article considers how the UK central government's infrastructure strategy is operationalized through accounting‐based performance measures and incentive systems, and articulates how the adoption of such systems is moderated by trust practices. The findings indicate that initial government policy objectives, translated as performance indicators in the case study, failed to offer adequate incentives for contractors and created tensions. However, controls were later developed through inter‐party trust practices for managing performance and relational risk. These findings have important implications for PFI policy and practice, including that negotiation can: (i) lead to pragmatic controls being introduced to foster cooperation and trust‐building; and (ii) provide opportunities for adapting the monitoring and incentive mechanisms. This study also contributes to the previous literature where PFI control systems were largely regarded as inadequate for dealing with unforeseen conflicts between parties.
The Senility of Group Solidarity and Contemporary Multiculturalism: A Word of Warning from a Medieval Arabic Thinker
Authors: Verza Annalisa
Published: March 2018

This paper discusses the thought of the medieval Maghrebin thinker Ibn Khaldun through the prism of the philosophy and sociology of law and politics. I will first try to illustrate how, even if Ibn Khaldun wrote in the fourteenth century, he anticipated many core concepts that are characteristic of modern Western sociological and philosophical thought. The argument is thus made that his thought can, and indeed must, be rescued from the wide neglect that, outside the specialized field of Khaldunian studies, it has so far suffered in our treatment and teaching of the history of politico‐legal sociological thought. I will then claim that the scheme he devised to explain the rise and fall of civilizations can also, with due care, be used to frame and understand the political and cultural landscape in which the West and the Islamic world are presently engaged in a difficult dialogue. The discussion is in this sense offered in the hope of making a contribution to the current politico‐legal philosophical and sociological debate on multiculturalism, and on the limits of its scope.
Utilization of oral health services network among children and adolescents with leukemia
Authors: Curi Davi Silva Carvalho , Gondim Ihana Thaís Guerra de Oliveira , Figueiredo Andréia Cristina Leal , Jamelli Silvia Regina
Published: March 2018

Aim

To evaluate the use of the network of oral health services by children and adolescents with leukemia, according to the phase of cancer treatment, type of dental treatment received, and access barriers.

Methods and Results

An exploratory cross‐sectional study carried out in a referral hospital in cancer in northeast of Brazil, with all children and adolescents (3–16 years old) with leukemia who used dental services and who attended the medical consultation in the outpatient clinic between March and August 2016. The analysis of the medical records and a structured interview with caregivers were performed. The majority who used only the specialized network were in a single phase of cancer treatment (49.1%), had oral mucositis treatment (79.2%), and had a time of displacement for oral health services greater than 40 minutes (92.6%). In addition, dental care was centered in the specialized network (76.8%) and during hospitalization (37.7%).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the oral health care of these individuals is centered on tertiary care, reflecting a deficiency in communication between the network services, as well as the nonrecognition of the basic network as a caregiver source by its users. Despite this, more research is needed.