bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of milling parameters with multi-performance characteristic on Al/SiC metal matrix composite using grey-fuzzy logic algorithm
Authors: S. Rajeswari , P.S. Sivasakthivel
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimum level of geometrical parameters such as helix angle, nose radius, rake angle and machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut to arrive minimum surface roughness and tool wear during end milling of Al 356/SiC metal matrix composites (MMCs) using high speed steel end mill cutter.

Design/methodology/approach

L27 Taguchi orthogonal design with six factors and three levels is employed for conducting experiments. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is carried out using Minitab16 software to find the influence of each input parameter on output performance measure. Grey-fuzzy logic multi optimisation algorithm is used to find the optimum level of the input parameters for minimum surface roughness and tool wear simultaneously.

Findings

It is found that optimal combination of helix angle 40°, nose radius 0.8 mm, rake angle 12°, cutting speed 90 m/min, feed rate 0.04 mm/rev and depth of cut 1.5 mm have generated minimum surface roughness of 0.4063 µm and tool wear of 0.0375 mm. From ANOVA analysis, it is found that cutting speed influence is more on output performance followed by helix angle and rake angle compared with other machining and geometrical parameters.

Originality/value

The influence of tool geometry during end milling of MMC using Grey-fuzzy logic algorithm has not been explored previously.
Unsteady natural convection flow of a rotating fluid past an exponential accelerated vertical plate with Hall current, ion-slip and magnetic effect
Authors: Singh Jitendra Kumar , C.T. Srinivasa
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deal with an unsteady natural convection flow of a rotating fluid past an exponential accelerated vertical plate. The effect of Hall current, ion-slip and magnetic field is considered. Two types of plate temperature, namely, uniform and ramped temperature are considered to model heat transfer analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The Laplace transform technique is employed to find the closed form solutions for velocity, temperature and concentration.

Findings

The effects of flow governing parameters on the velocity profile, temperature profile, concentration profile, skin friction, Nusselt and Sherwood numbers are discussed and presented through graphs and tables. It is found that fluid velocity in the primary flow direction decreases with the increase in the magnetic parameter.

Originality/value

First time in the literature, the authors obtained closed form solution to natural convection flow of a rotating fluid past an exponential accelerated vertical plate.
Rheological characterization of non-Brownian suspensions based on structure kinetics
Authors: Vachaparambil Kurian J. , Mårtensson Gustaf , Essén Lars
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to develop a methodology to characterize the rheological behaviour of macroscopic non-Brownian suspensions, like solder paste, based on microstructural evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

A structure-based kinetics model, whose parameters are derived analytically based on assumptions valid for any macroscopic suspension, is developed to describe the rheological behaviour of a given fluid. The values of the parameters are then determined based on experiments conducted at a constant shear rate. The parameter values, obtained from the model, are then adjusted using an optimization algorithm using the mean deviation from experiments as the cost function to replicate the measured rheology. A commercially available solder paste is used as the test fluid for the proposed method.

Findings

The initial parameter values obtained through the analytical model indicates a structural breakdown that is much slower than observations. But optimizing the parameter values, especially the ones associated with the structural breakdown, replicates the thixotropic behaviour of the solder paste reasonably well, but it fails to capture the structure build-up during the three interval thixotropy test.

Research limitations/implications

The structural kinetics model tends to under-predict the structure build-up rate.

Practical implications

This study details a more realistic prediction of the rheological behaviour of macroscopic suspensions like solder paste, thermal interface materials and other functional materials. The proposed model can be used to characterize different solder pastes and other functional fluids based on the structure build-up and breakdown rates. The model can also be used as the viscosity definitions in numerical simulations instead of simpler models like Carreau–Yasuda and cross-viscosity models.

Originality/value

The rheological description of the solder paste is critical in determining its validity for a given application. The methodology described in the paper provides a better description of thixotropy without relying on the existing rheological measurements or the behaviour predicted by a standard power-law model. The proposed model can also provide transient viscosity predictions when shear rates vary in time.
Systems breakdown in recruitment at McCune Contracting
Authors: Wafai Hassan , Waines Lee Ann , Wilson-Mah Rebecca Frances
Published: January 2018

Synopsis

Rachel Banning was assigned a new role in HR with the responsibility to update recruitment and orientation systems to meet the rapidly growing demand for manpower at McCune Contracting, an oilfield services provider in Alberta, Canada. McCune’s industry peers were competing to attract the same skilled employees, within a relatively small talent pool. The HR team was only a few short weeks away from the upcoming peak “turnaround season” when they would be expected to recruit and deploy 500 new temporary workers for their clients’ sites. Banning knew she had to take immediate actions to fix as many of the systems issues as possible and to eventually set the team up with a more permanent solution for systems integration.

Research methodology

The authors had access to McCune Contracting to complete field research for this case.

Relevant courses and levels

The case is designed for business students at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The case can be used in operations management courses to discuss the topic of process analysis and operations strategy or in management information system courses as a comprehensive case study for use at the end of the course. The case might particularly appeal to students who have worked in human resources management areas or the service industry.

Theoretical bases

Theoretical underpinnings include a process view of organizational performance, internal supplier and internal customer orientation, performance improvement, information systems integration and value chain analysis.
Performance management – making a difference?
Authors: Boroff Karen E. , Boroff Alexander
Published: January 2018

Synopsis

Captain Joseph Brunetti was given the assignment to provide his superior officer an analysis of what to expect when the US Army implemented its new process to evaluate the performance of noncommissioned officers (NCOs), called sergeants. Brunetti had about 104 sergeants in his unit. The US Army created a new process in 2015 to evaluate sergeants to overcome the deficiencies in the Army’s old process, now 28 years old. Under the old process, almost every sergeant was rated at the highest levels, making it nearly impossible for the US Army to know whom to promote to higher ranks. Under the old process, very little counseling took place, so NCOs were not given guidance on how to develop themselves. Raters and senior raters (SRs) were not held accountable for their work in performance management, either. Under the new process, which included a forced distribution form of ranking, SRs had to offer counselings as well as options for future assignments. Brunetti, who had only limited experience in rating sergeants anyway, had to prepare for his boss what was called an “operations report” outlining what the organization could expect with the changeover to the new process and what may need attention as the process would continue in subsequent years.

Research methodology

This case has been developed from actual experiences and the assignment given to Brunetti also happened as described in the case. Since many of the individuals in the case are still employed by the US Army, the names of the individuals and the company units in this case have been disguised. Even so, the events of the protagonist’s tours of duty prior to the assignment described in this case did occur, but some of the locations within the USA have been changed. The other persons quoted from public documents or otherwise referenced in the articles are the actual persons so identified. The old NCOERs in Exhibit 3 are as these were written but the personally identifiable data about the individuals have been blackened out.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate courses in human resource management and especially on the topical material on performance management and performance appraisal. The case can also be used in both undergraduate and graduate courses in general management, for modules on human resource management. The Relevant Theory section below is centered on human resource management.

Theoretical bases

This relevant theory which undergirds this case centers on the broad concept of performance management and on performance appraisal instruments. The case underscores the important concept that performance management has to be more than “completing the appraisal form.”
Take-off or abort? Chief Smith and Flight Line in NAS Ionian
Authors: Sue-Chan Christina , Fisher Kelly
Published: January 2018

Synopsis

This case presents the leadership challenges that Chief Petty Officer Amanda Smith navigated as the first woman assigned to lead a Flight Line work center at NAS Ionian, an organization that was characterized by a culture of “hegemonic masculinity.” Failure to effectively lead the work center could have catastrophic consequences, including death of service personnel. Flight Line work centers, located in naval air stations throughout the world, serviced the air operations of aircraft carriers of the US Navy and provided allied air support. The assignment was a test of Smith’s leadership because the NAS Ionian Flight Line had experienced a spate of misconduct by personnel and had failed important maintenance inspections. Chief Smith was tasked to improve the morale and performance of the work center’s sailors who had diverse personal and professional backgrounds. She was also directed to ensure that the work center passed important maintenance inspections despite the challenges of dealing with subordinates, rank peers, and senior officers who had never previously worked with a woman in her role.

Research methodology

The case study is based on primary data collected from the protagonist, a.k.a. Amanda Smith. The primary data are supplemented with secondary data from published sources. The names of the air station and the protagonist have been altered to protect the identity of individuals in the case.

Relevant courses and levels

The case is applicable to senior undergraduate courses in HRM performance or talent management, training and development as well as in MBA or other Master’s level courses in management, industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior and leadership.

Theoretical bases

The case deals with leadership style (e.g. Initiating structure – organizing work, giving structure to the work context, defining role responsibility, scheduling work activities; consideration – building camaraderie, respect, trust, and liking between leaders and followers); organizational culture; diversity management; power and influence; and performance management.
Evidence‐based practice guidelines for prescribing home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs
Authors: de Lange Laura , Coyle Emma , Todd Helen , Williams Cylie
Published: January 2018

Background/aim

Home modifications maintain people's functional independence and safety. No literature exists to guide the prescription of home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs. With Australia's increasing obesity rate, more evidence is needed to support home modification prescribers. This study aimed to map Australian home modification prescribing practices for clients with bariatric care needs and to establish and evaluate a clinical resource for this prescription process.

Methods

The study included two phases. Phase 1 conducted a cross‐sectional survey of therapists practicing in Australia, and Australian industry partners who prescribe or install home modifications for clients with bariatric care needs. Phase 2 included design, implementation and evaluation of a clinical resource. Data were analysed with means and frequencies; multivariable regression analysis was used to explore prescribing habits.

Results

Therapists surveyed (n = 347) reported 11 different bariatric weight definitions. Less than 3% constantly or regularly prescribed home modifications for these clients; rails were most commonly prescribed. Many therapists (n = 171, 58%) ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ knew rail load capacity. Therapists’ knowledge of rail load capacity was associated with previous experience prescribing home modifications (P = 0.009); rail manufacturer's advice (P = 0.016) and not using advice from builders (P = 0.001). Clinical resources were used by 11% (n = 26) of therapists to support their prescription, and industry sporadically relied on therapists to specify modification design requirements (n = 5, 45%). Post‐implementation of a clinical resource increased consensus regarding understanding of the term bariatric and increased consultation with builders and manufacturers.

Conclusion

There was a lack of consistency in bariatric terminology, uncertainty of rail load capacities and minimal use of clinical practice guidelines. Additional resources will assist with consistency in prescribing practices to maximise occupational performance for clients with bariatric care needs.
Functional mannose binding lectin levels in patients with pediatric onset systemic lupus erythematosus in remission
Authors: Didel Siyaram , Suri Deepti , Rawat Amit , Singh Surjit
Published: January 2018

Background

Complement system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Excessive activation of complement causes tissue injury and SLE occurrence is typically associated with congenital deficiencies of the early components of the classical complement pathway. Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is recognized as important causative factor in the etio‐pathogenesis of SLE and MBL‐2 gene has evolved as a candidate gene for SLE susceptibility.

Aim

This study was done to assess the functional MBL (fMBL) level in SLE patients in remission and its co‐relation with disease severity and outcome.

Methods

Functional MBL levels were compared with age and sex matched healthy controls and were correlated with duration of illness,complement levels and anti‐double‐ stranded DNA antibody levels.

Results

Mean fMBL level in patients was found to be 696.19 ± 408.98 U/mL and 579.52 ± 393.87 U/mL in the control group. Four children had very low fMBL levels (< 40 U/mL). Functional MBL levels were higher in patients with SLE even when the disease was in remission as compared to healthy controls, although not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Large variation exists in fMBL levels in patients with SLE even when in remission. Very low fMBL levels were found in some children with younger age of onset of SLE, multisystem involvement and severe course of the disease. Positive correlation of MBL levels with anti‐ds DNA titers suggest that its values vary with activity and could be a potential biomarker of the disease.
Medium‐ and long‐chain acylcarnitines are associated with osteoarthritis severity and arterial stiffness in end‐stage osteoarthritis patients: a case‐control study
Authors: Tootsi Kaspar , Kals Jaak , Zilmer Mihkel , Paapstel Kaido , Ottas Aigar , Märtson Aare
Published: January 2018

Aim

Arterial pathology has been suggested to be involved in osteoarthritis (OA). Metabolic profiling enables the determination of low‐molecular‐weight molecules, which might further explain the pathogenesis of OA and its relationship with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this study was to compare the metabolic profile of lipid metabolism‐related compounds and arterial stiffness in OA patients and in controls.

Method

The serum of 70 end‐stage OA patients prior to joint replacement surgery and 82 age‐matched controls were analyzed by the AbsoluteIDQ™ p180 kit (BIOCRATES Life Sciences AG, Innsbruck, Austria) using the targeted metabolomic approach. Arterial stiffness was assessed by measuring carotid‐femoral and carotid‐radial pulse wave velocity. Aortic‐brachial pulse wave velocity ratio (PWV‐ratio) was used as the measure of arterial stiffness gradient. Principal component analysis was performed to analyze the large number of metabolites.

Results

The OA patients had decreased levels of C10:1, C10:2, C12, C12:1, C14, C14:2, C14:1‐OH, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) ratio and total AC/C0 compared with age‐matched controls. There was independent association between acylcarnitines and PWV‐ratio in the OA patients. Furthermore, acylcarnitines were associated with OA radiographic severity. The component that resembles acylcarnitines was an independent predictor of the PWV‐ratio for OA patients.

Conclusion

We found decreased levels of acylcarnitines in OA patients. Furthermore, medium‐and long‐chain acylcarnitines associated independently with arterial stiffness and were related to radiographic severity of OA. Thus, acylcarnities might play an important role in the association between OA and CVD.
Clinical and economic implications of upper gastrointestinal adverse events in Asian rheumatological patients on long‐term non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs
Authors: Pok Lydia Say Lee , Shabaruddin Fatiha Hana , Dahlui Maznah , Sockalingam Sargunan , Mohamed Said Mohd Shahrir , Rosman Azmillah , Lau Ing Soo , Isa Liza Mohd , Hussein Heselynn , Ng Chin Teck , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: January 2018

Aim

To determine the incidence and direct costs of NSAID‐induced upper GI adverse events in Malaysian rheumatology patients.

Methods

A retrospective, multi‐centre, cohort study of rheumatology patients on long‐term NSAIDs was conducted. Clinical data of patients treated between 2010 and 2013 were collected for a 24‐month follow‐up period. The costs of managing upper GI adverse events were based on patient level resource use data.

Results

Six hundred and thirty‐four patients met the inclusion criteria: mean age 53.4 years, 89.9% female, diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA; 59.3%), osteoarthritis (OA; 10.3%) and both RA and OA (30.3%). Three hundred and seventy‐one (58.5%) patients were prescribed non‐selective NSAIDs and 263 (41.5%) had cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors. Eighty‐four upper GI adverse events occurred, translating into a risk of 13.2% and an incidence rate of 66.2 per 1000 person‐years. GI adverse events comprised: dyspepsia n = 78 (12.3%), peptic ulcer disease (PUD) n = 5 (0.79%) and upper GI bleeding (UGIB) n = 1 (0.16%). The total direct healthcare cost of managing adverse events was Malaysian Ringgit (MR) 37 352 (US dollars [USD] 11 419) with a mean cost of MR 446.81 ± 534.56 (USD 136.60 ± 163.42) per patient, consisting mainly of GI pharmacotherapy (33.8%), oesophagoduodenoscopies (23.1%) and outpatient clinic visits (18.2%). Mean cost per patient by GI events were: dyspepsia, MR 408.98 ± 513.29 (USD125.03 ± 156.92); PUD, MR 805.93 ± 578.80 (USD 246.39 ± 176.95); UGIB, MR 1601.94 (USD 489.74, n = 1).

Conclusion

The economic burden of GI adverse events due to long‐term NSAIDs use in Malaysian patients with chronic rheumatic diseases is modest.
Prevalence and predictors of asymptomatic vertebral fractures in inflammatory myositis
Authors: Gupta Latika , Lawrence Able , Edavalath Sukesh , Misra Ramnath
Published: January 2018

Aim

To assess the frequency and risk factors of asymptomatic vertebral fractures in inflammatory myositis.

Patients and methods

Dorsal and lumbar spine lateral radiographs were taken for adults with inflammatory myositis and scored using Genant's semi‐quantitative technique. Demographic data, weight, height, postmenopausal status, duration of corticosteroid use, drug intake, co‐morbidities and past history of fractures were recorded. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Myositis Damage Index (MDI) was also assessed. All results are expressed in median and interquartile range.

Results

One hundred patients (82 female) with myositis of median age 35.5 (28.5–46) years and disease duration 3.0 (1.81–8.0) years were studied. Thirty‐five patients had adult dermatomyositis (DM), 26 polymyositis, 31 connective tissue disease‐associated myositis and eight had juvenile onset myositis. Seventeen were postmenopausal women. Forty‐six patients had asymptomatic vertebral fractures and 19 had more than one fracture. Half the fractures occurred in those with disease duration of <5 years. Of the 69 fractures, 47 (68.1%), 16 (23.2%) and 6 (8.7%) were mild, moderate and severe, respectively. The 11th and 12th thoracic vertebrae were together the most commonly (30.4%) affected. Of the 70 who underwent BMD assessment, 62.7% were osteopenic and 26.9% were osteoporotic. T scores of DEXA scan at the lower third of the radius correlated negatively with fracture number (r = −0.27 (−0.50 to −0.005), P = 0.04). Gender, age, disease duration, years of corticosteroid intake, body mass index, years post‐menopause and MDI had no correlation with number of fractures.

Conclusion

Patients with inflammatory myositis have high prevalence of asymptomatic vertebral fractures.
MEFV gene testing may guide physicians for early diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Tezcan Mehmet E. , Avci Mehmet , Mercan Ridvan , Aliustaoglu Mehmet , Sargin Mehmet
Published: January 2018

Introduction

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent attacks of polyserositis. Even though clinical assessment is accepted to be the most important factor in the diagnosis of FMF, some diagnostic procedures may help the physician. In this study, we aimed to compare the number of diagnostic procedures performed and number of physician referrals in early diagnosed and late diagnosed cases. Furthermore, we assessed which diagnostic approaches would affect the decision‐making of physicians in the early diagnosed patients.

Materials and methods

We enrolled into the study 143 FMF patients who met the Tel‐Hashomer Criteria. Demographic variables, MEFV mutations (when available), diagnostic procedures (if performed) and specialist referrals were evaluated. Early diagnosis was defined as establishment of definite diagnosis within a 5‐year period after the appearance of the first symptom.

Results

Early diagnosed were referred to physicians less often, and except for genetic testing, had fewer diagnostic procedures. In addition to clinical features, MEFV testing was found to be the only method that might influence the diagnosis by a physician.

Conclusions

MEFV gene assessment, unlike other diagnostic procedures, might support physicians in the early diagnosis of FMF. Especially in atypical cases, MEFV gene assessment might be considered for diagnosis of FMF.
Dermoscopy of arteriovenous tumour: A morphological study of 39 cases
Authors: Zaballos Pedro , Medina Carolina , del Pozo Luis J , Gómez‐Martín Ignacio , Bañuls José
Published: January 2018

Background/Objectives

Arteriovenous tumour is a distinct, benign, acquired vascular lesion that can be misdiagnosed.

Methods

A dermoscopic examination of 39 cases of arteriovenous tumours collected from four Spanish hospitals was performed to evaluate specific dermoscopic criteria and patterns.

Results

The most common structures found were vascular, 95% of cases (37/39); 90% (35/39) were non‐arborising telangiectasia. All the lesions except two (95%) had a homogeneous pigmentation background that was red in 30 cases (77%), bluish‐red in three (8%), brown in two (5%) and blue or multicoloured in one case each. Lacunae were seen in only three cases (8%). Non‐arborising telangiectasia on a reddish background was identified in 72% of cases.

Conclusions

Dermoscopy is helpful in improving the diagnosis of arteriovenous tumours and allows the observer to differentiate them from other cutaneous lesions such as other vascular tumours, basal cell carcinomas and melanomas.
Attributions and Appraisals of Workplace Incivility: Finding Light on the Dark Side?
Authors: Marchiondo Lisa A. , Cortina Lilia M. , Kabat‐Farr Dana
Published: January 2018

Ample research demonstrates that workplace incivility has individual and organisational costs, but an important question remains unanswered: might it have benefits as well? We investigate this possibility by focusing on incivility appraisals—both negative and challenge appraisals (i.e. as an opportunity for learning, growth)—and their correlates. To explain this diversity of appraisals, we examine whether attributions (i.e. perceived intent to harm, perceived perpetrator control) predict perceptions. We conducted two multi‐method (quantitative and qualitative) surveys, one of which was multi‐source, of employees across a range of occupations. In Study 1, attributions that perpetrators acted with control and malicious intent fuelled negative appraisals of incivility, which undermined job satisfaction. Study 2 added to these findings by demonstrating that some targets formed challenge appraisals of uncivil encounters, especially when they attributed low malicious intent to perpetrators; challenge appraisal related to boosts in job satisfaction and thriving. These attitudinal outcomes then positively related to organisational citizenship behaviour, as reported by targets' coworkers. Showing paths to incivility harm (and potential benefit), our findings can inform interventions to alter the impact of workplace incivility.
Replanted teeth stored in a newly developed powdered coconut water formula
Authors: Reis Manuella Verdinelli de Paula , Soares Carlos José , Soares Priscilla Barbosa Ferreira , Rocha Aletheia Moraes , Salgueiro Cristiane Clemente de Mello , Sobral Márcia Helena Niza Ramalho , Moura Camilla Christian Gomes
Published: January 2018

Background/Aim

A newly developed powdered coconut water formulae (ACP‐404) has been proposed to preserve periodontal ligament cell viability. The aim of this study was to investigate the periodontal healing of dog teeth replanted after storage in ACP‐404 with 2 different osmolalities.

Materials and Methods

Sixty teeth of 10 adult beagle dogs were extracted and randomly subjected to the following protocols: immediate replantation after extraction (positive control); dry conditions (negative control); and storage in ACP‐404 I (G1), ACP‐404 II (G2), in coconut water long shelf life (G3) or in pH‐neutralized coconut water long shelf life (G4) for 50 minutes before replantation. The animals were euthanized 28 days post‐operatively and processed for histomorphometric analysis using an optical microscope. The groups were subjected to histomorphometric analysis compared with immediate replantation and dry conditions. The data were statistically analysed using the Kruskal‐Wallis test with post‐analysis using Dunnett's test.

Results

The normal periodontal area was significantly higher for the G1 than for the G2 and G3 groups (P < .001). The positive control group presented similar normal periodontal areas compared to the experimental groups, except for the G3 and negative control groups (P < .001). G1 presented the lowest level of external root replacement resorption compared to the other groups (P < .05). All storage solutions had similar periodontal conditions for repaired resorption areas, inflammatory root resorption, ankylosis and replacement resorption (P > .05).

Conclusions

ACP‐404 I (G1) was better overall and was able to preserve the normal periodontium and had less external root replacement resorption.
Winter movement activity patterns of anadromous Arctic charr in two Labrador lakes
Authors: Mulder Ingeborg M. , Morris Corey J. , Dempson J. Brian , Fleming Ian A. , Power Michael
Published: January 2018

Anadromous Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus, feed in the marine environment for several months during the summer and migrate back to fresh water in late summer to spawn and/or overwinter. While overwintering, anadromous Arctic charr are generally believed to reduce or cease feeding, and they are poorly described in their winter movement activity. This study used telemetry data collected from two locations to describe overwintering movement activity, including interindividual variation. Movement activity declined markedly during the ice‐covered period, suggesting opportunistic maintenance feeding was used as an energy conservation strategy. Fall and spring movement was correlated with daylight hours, and ice break‐up had a significant effect on the timing of outmigration. Movement activity was negatively correlated with body length, with smaller individuals being more active than larger fish. Although general activity patterns were evident, there were significant differences among individuals, particularly during spring immediately prior to lake departure. Lake size and individual differences in metabolic rate may account for some of this variation.
Dothistroma spp. in Western Ukraine and Georgia
Authors: Matsiakh I. , Doğmuş‐Lehtijärvi H. T. , Kramarets V. , Aday Kaya A. G. , Oskay F. , Drenkhan R. , Woodward Steve
Published: January 2018

Dothistroma needle blight (DNB) is among the most serious foliar diseases affecting Pinus spp. globally. Infected needles were collected from potential host species in four locations in western Ukraine and in four locations in eastern Georgia during spring–summer 2015 to update the knowledge on pathogen distribution in these countries. Dothistroma spp. were detected using isolation, sequencing and species‐specific priming (SSPP) PCR. Two new hosts for Dothistroma spp. were recorded in western Ukraine: D. septosporum on Pinus nigra var. australica and D. pini on P. nigra var. mollet. D. septosporum was found on 15‐year‐old P. strobus in western Ukraine. New hosts for D. septosporum were recorded in Georgia on 5‐ to 10‐year‐old naturally regenerated P. sylvestris var. hamata and on 40‐ to 50‐year‐old P. ponderosa trees. D. pini was found for the first time in Georgia on 30‐ to 40‐year‐old P. nigra trees. The work confirmed the presence of both D. septosporum and D. pini in western Ukraine and Georgia, and demonstrated new hosts for both Dothistroma species.
Bioerosion in a changing world: a conceptual framework
Authors: Davidson Timothy M. , Altieri Andrew H. , Ruiz Gregory M. , Torchin Mark E.
Published: January 2018

Bioerosion, the breakdown of hard substrata by organisms, is a fundamental and widespread ecological process that can alter habitat structure, biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling. Bioerosion occurs in all biomes of the world from the ocean floor to arid deserts, and involves a wide diversity of taxa and mechanisms with varying ecological effects. Many abiotic and biotic factors affect bioerosion by acting on the bioeroder, substratum, or both. Bioerosion also has socio‐economic impacts when objects of economic or cultural value such as coastal defences or monuments are damaged. We present a unifying definition and advance a conceptual framework for (a) examining the effects of bioerosion on natural systems and human infrastructure and (b) identifying and predicting the impacts of anthropogenic factors (e.g. climate change, eutrophication) on bioerosion. Bioerosion is responding to anthropogenic changes in multiple, complex ways with significant and wide‐ranging effects across systems. Emerging data further underscore the importance of bioerosion, and need for mitigating its impacts, especially at the dynamic land–sea boundary. Generalised predictions remain challenging, due to context‐dependent effects and nonlinear relationships that are poorly resolved. An integrative and interdisciplinary approach is needed to understand how future changes will alter bioerosion dynamics across biomes and taxa.
Otolith chemistry does not just reflect environmental conditions: A meta‐analytic evaluation
Authors: Izzo Christopher , Reis‐Santos Patrick , Gillanders Bronwyn M
Published: January 2018

Fish otoliths are widely used to answer biological and ecological questions related to movements and habitat use based on their chemical composition. Two fundamental assumptions underlie otoliths as environmental tracers and proxies for reconstructing exposure histories: (i) otolith chemistry reflects water chemistry, and (ii) ambient environmental conditions affect otolith element incorporation. Here, we test these assumptions for Sr and Ba through meta‐analyses. Our first meta‐analysis confirmed a correlation between concentrations of Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca in otoliths and the surrounding water, both elements displaying positive otolith–water correlations. The second meta‐analysis examined the relative influences of salinity and temperature on otolith Sr and Ba partition coefficients (an index of otolith element regulation). Our environmental effects meta‐analysis confirmed that otolith Sr and Ba are affected by temperature and salinity; however, study‐level covariates (e.g., water chemical concentrations and species ecological niche) influenced otolith element incorporation, and this varied by element. These findings confirm that even though otolith chemistry and elemental incorporation are differentially affected by environmental conditions, other factors play a decisive role. While we focused on studies that directly linked water and otolith chemistry, systematic reviews are key to further demonstrate the link between otolith chemistry and extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Ultimately, disentangling the relative effects of multiple factors on otolith chemistry and a detailed understanding of biomineralization is critical to the continued use of otoliths as natural tags for tracing fish movements and habitat use.
The relationship between the spatial scaling of biodiversity and ecosystem stability
Authors: Delsol Robin , Loreau Michel , Haegeman Bart
Published: January 2018

Aim

Ecosystem stability and its link with biodiversity have mainly been studied at the local scale. Here we present a simple theoretical model to address the joint dependence of diversity and stability on spatial scale, from local to continental.

Methods

The notion of stability we use is based on the temporal variability of an ecosystem‐level property, such as primary productivity. In this way, our model integrates the well‐known species–area relationship (SAR) with a recent proposal to quantify the spatial scaling of stability, called the invariability–area relationship (IAR).

Results

We show that the link between the two relationships strongly depends on whether the temporal fluctuations of the ecosystem property of interest are more correlated within than between species. If fluctuations are correlated within species but not between them, then the IAR is strongly constrained by the SAR. If instead individual fluctuations are only correlated by spatial proximity, then the IAR is unrelated to the SAR. We apply these two correlation assumptions to explore the effects of species loss and habitat destruction on stability, and find a rich variety of multi‐scale spatial dependencies, with marked differences between the two assumptions.

Main conclusions

The dependence of ecosystem stability on biodiversity across spatial scales is governed by the spatial decay of correlations within and between species. Our work provides a point of reference for mechanistic models and data analyses. More generally, it illustrates the relevance of macroecology for ecosystem functioning and stability.
Identification of miR‐305, a microRNA that promotes aging, and its target mRNAs in Drosophila
Authors: Ueda Makiko , Sato Tetsuya , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Inoue Yoshihiro H.
Published: January 2018

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of important biological processes. Here, we describe a novel Drosophila miRNAs involved in aging. We selected eight Drosophila miRNAs, displaying high homology with seed sequences of aging‐related miRNAs characterized in other species, and investigated whether the over‐expression of these miRNAs affected aging in Drosophila adult flies. The lifespan of adults over‐expressing miR‐305, a miRNA showing high homology with miR‐239 in C. elegans, was significantly shorter. Conversely, a reduction in miR‐305 expression led to a longer lifespan than that in control flies. miR‐305 over‐expression accelerated the impairment of locomotor activity and promoted the age‐dependent accumulation of poly‐ubiquitinated protein aggregates in the muscle, as flies aged. Thus, we show that the ectopic expression of miR‐305 has a deleterious effect on aging in Drosophila. To identify the targets of miR‐305, we performed RNA‐Seq. We discovered several mRNAs encoding antimicrobial peptides and insulin‐like peptides, whose expression changed in adults upon miR‐305 over‐expression. We further confirmed, by qRT‐PCR, that miR‐305 over‐expression significantly decreases the mRNA levels of four antimicrobial peptides. As these mRNAs contain multiple sequences matching the seed sequence of miR‐305, we speculate that a reduction in target mRNA levels, caused by ectopic miRNA expression, promotes aging.
A salinity‐tolerant japonica cultivar has Na+ exclusion mechanism at leaf sheaths through the function of a Na+ transporter OsHKT1;4 under salinity stress
Authors: Wangsawang T. , Chuamnakthong S. , Kohnishi E. , Sripichitt P. , Sreewongchai T. , Ueda A.
Published: January 2018

This study was designed to investigate differences in patterns of physiological responses to salinity stress among five japonica rice cultivars in comparison with FL478 as a salinity tolerance check. Five japonica cultivars were screened for salinity tolerance at seedling stage based on visual symptoms of salt injury index and physiological parameters including dry matter production, electrolyte leakage ratio and ion concentration. The results indicated that cultivars Ouukan383 and FL478 were relatively more salinity tolerant than other cultivars and that Kanniho was the most salinity‐sensitive cultivar. Ouukan383 showed higher leaf water content and lower electrolyte leakage ratio under salinity stress. Notably, under salinity stress, Na+ concentration in the leaf blades was much lower in Ouukan383 than in FL478, but was much higher in Kanniho. To understand the basis for these differences, we studied transcript levels of the genes encoding Na+ transport proteins in different tissues. In response to salinity stress, Ouukan383 had highly induced expression of the OsHKT1;4 gene in the leaf sheaths, corresponding to higher Na+ accumulation in the leaf sheaths and lower Na+ accumulation in the leaf blades. On the other hand, the sensitive cultivar, Kanniho, had highly induced expression of the OsSOS1 and OsNHX1 genes in the leaf blades, whose gene products are responsible for Na+ efflux outside cells and Na+ compartmentalization into vacuoles. Thus, the salinity‐tolerant and salinity‐sensitive cultivars differed in their responses to Na+ fluxes in plant cells using different transport systems in each tissue type. The salinity‐tolerant japonica cultivar, Ouukan383, has an effective Na+ exclusion mechanism at the leaf sheaths to prevent Na+ accumulation in the leaf blades. Such a mechanism, in combination with other genetic traits (e.g. Na+ exclusion at the roots mediated by OsHKT1;5), offers the potential to improve salinity tolerance in rice.
Emerging role of Twist1 in fibrotic diseases
Authors: Ning Xiaoxuan , Zhang Kun , Wu Qingfeng , Liu Minna , Sun Shiren
Published: January 2018

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pathological process that occurs in a variety of diseases, including organ fibrosis. Twist1, a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor, is involved in EMT and plays significant roles in various fibrotic diseases. Suppression of the EMT process represents a promising approach for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. In this review, we discuss the roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Twist1 in fibrotic diseases, including those affecting kidney, lung, skin, oral submucosa and other tissues. We aim at providing new insight into the pathogenesis of various fibrotic diseases and facilitating the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for their treatment.
Leucocyte and Platelet‐rich Fibrin: a carrier of autologous multipotent cells for regenerative medicine
Authors: Di Liddo Rosa , Bertalot Thomas , Borean Alessio , Pirola Ivan , Argentoni Alberto , Schrenk Sandra , Cenzi Carola , Capelli Stefano , Conconi Maria Teresa , Parnigotto Pier Paolo
Published: January 2018

The wound healing is a complex process wherein inflammation, proliferation and regeneration evolve according to a spatio‐temporal pattern from the activation of coagulation cascade to the formation of a plug clot including fibrin matrix, blood‐borne cells and cytokines/growth factors. Creating environments conducive to tissue repair, the haemoderivatives are commonly proposed for the treatment of hard‐to‐heal wounds. Here, we explored in vitro the intrinsic regenerative potentialities of a leucocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin product, known as CPL‐MB, defining the stemness grade of cells sprouting from the haemoderivative. Using highly concentrated serum‐based medium to simulate wound conditions, we isolated fibroblast‐like cells (CPL‐CMCs) adhering to plastic and showing stable in vitro propagation, heterogeneous stem cell expression pattern, endothelial adhesive properties and immunomodulatory profile. Due to their blood derivation and expression of CXCR4, CPL‐CMCs have been suggested to be immature cells circulating in peripheral blood at quiescent state until activation by both coagulation event and inflammatory stimuli such as stromal‐derived factor 1/SDF1. Expressing integrins (CD49f, CD103), vascular adhesion molecules (CD106, CD166), endoglin (CD105) and remodelling matrix enzymes (MMP2, MMP9, MMP13), they showed a transendothelial migratory potential besides multipotency. Taken together, our data suggested that a standardized, reliable and economically feasible blood product such as CPL‐MB functions as an artificial stem cell niche that, under permissive conditions, originate ex vivo immature cells that could be useful for autologous stem cell‐based therapies.
The limitations of dermoscopy: false‐positive and false‐negative tumours
Authors: Papageorgiou V. , Apalla Z. , Sotiriou E. , Papageorgiou C. , Lazaridou E. , Vakirlis S. , Ioannides D. , Lallas A.
Published: January 2018

Dermoscopy has been documented to increase the diagnostic accuracy of clinicians evaluating skin tumours, improving their ability to detect skin cancer and better recognize benign moles. However, dermoscopically ‘false‐positive’ and ‘false‐negative’ tumours do exist. False‐positive diagnosis usually leads to unnecessary excisions. False‐negative diagnosis is much more dangerous, as it might result in overlooking a cancer, with severe undesirable consequences for the patient and the physician. Therefore, management strategies should mainly focus on addressing the risk of dermoscopically false‐negative tumours. The most frequent benign tumours that might acquire dermatoscopic characteristics suggestive of malignancy are seborrhoeic keratosis (SK), including solar lentigo, melanoacanthoma, irritated, clonal and regressive SK, angioma (mainly thrombosed angioma and angiokeratoma), dermatofibroma, benign adnexal tumours and naevi (Clark, Spitz, recurrent, combined, sclerosing). The most useful clues to recognize these tumours are the following: solar lentigo – broad network; melanoacanthoma – sharp border; irritated SK – regularly distributed white perivascular halos; clonal SK – classic SK criteria; regressive SK – remnants of SK; targetoid haemosiderotic haemangioma – dark centre and reddish periphery; thrombosed angioma – sharp demarcation; angiokeratoma – dark lacunae; atypical dermatofibromas – palpation; follicular tumours – white colour; sebaceous tumours – yellow colour; Clark naevi – clinical context; Spitz/Reed naevi – age; combined naevi – blue central area; recurrent naevi – pigmentation within the scar; sclerosing naevi – age and location on the upper back; blue naevi – history. Malignant tumours that might mimic benign ones and escape detection are melanoma (in situ, nevoid, spitzoid, verrucous, regressive, amelanotic), squamous cell carcinoma (mainly well‐differentiated variants) and rarely basal cell carcinoma (non‐pigmented variants). The most useful clues to recognize the peculiar melanoma subtypes are as follows: melanomain situ– irregular hyperpigmented areas; nevoid melanoma – history of growth; spitzoid melanoma – age; verrucous melanoma – blue‐black sign; regressive melanoma – peppering or scar‐like depigmentation; amelanotic melanoma – pink colour, linear irregular vessels, dotted vessels. In this article, we summarized the most frequent dermoscopic variations of common skin tumours that are often misinterpreted, aiming to assist clinicians to reduce the number of false diagnoses.
Going from evidence to recommendations: Can GRADE get us there?
Authors: Mercuri Mathew , Baigrie Brian , Upshur Ross E.G.
Published: January 2018

The evidence based medicine movement has championed the need for objective and transparent methods of clinical guideline development. The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was developed for that purpose. Central to this framework is criteria for assessing the quality of evidence from clinical studies and the impact that body of evidence should have on our confidence in the clinical effectiveness of a therapy under examination. Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation has been adopted by a number of professional medical societies and organizations as a means for orienting the development of clinical guidelines. As a result, the method of GRADE has implications on how health care is delivered and patient outcomes. In this paper, we reveal several issues with the underlying logic of GRADE that warrant further discussion. First, the definitions of the “grades of evidence” provided by GRADE, while explicit, are functionally vague. Second, the “criteria for assigning grade of evidence” is seemingly arbitrary and arguably logically incoherent. Finally, the GRADE method is unclear on how to integrate evidence grades with other important factors, such as patient preferences, and trade‐offs between costs, benefits, and harms when proposing a clinical practice recommendation. Much of the GRADE method requires judgement on the part of the user, making it unclear as to how the framework reduces bias in recommendations or makes them more transparent—both goals of the programme. It is our view that the issues presented in this paper undermine GRADE's justificatory scheme, thereby limiting the usefulness of GRADE as a tool for developing clinical recommendations.