bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DNA2 Homolog Is Required for DNA Damage Repair, Cell Cycle Regulation, and Meristem Maintenance in Plants
Authors: Jia Ning , Liu Xiaomin , Gao Hongbo
Published: March 2016

Plant meristem cells divide and differentiate in a spatially and temporally regulated manner, ultimately giving rise to organs. In this study, we isolated the Arabidopsis jing he sheng 1 (jhs1) mutant, which exhibited retarded growth, an abnormal pattern of meristem cell division and differentiation, and morphological defects such as fasciation, an irregular arrangement of siliques, and short roots. We identified JHS1 as a homolog of human and yeast DNA Replication Helicase/Nuclease2, which is known to be involved in DNA replication and damage repair. JHS1 is strongly expressed in the meristem of Arabidopsis. The jhs1 mutant was sensitive to DNA damage stress and had an increased DNA damage response, including increased expression of genes involved in DNA damage repair and cell cycle regulation, and a higher frequency of homologous recombination. In the meristem of the mutant plants, cell cycle progression was delayed at the G2 or late S phase and genes essential for meristem maintenance were misregulated. These results suggest that JHS1 plays an important role in DNA replication and damage repair, meristem maintenance, and development in plants.
Thermo-physical properties of nonlinear optical crystal K3B6O10Br
Authors: Xia Mingjun , Xu Bo , Liu Lijuan , Wang Xiaoyang , Li Rukang , Chen Chuangtian
Published: March 2016

The thermo-physical properties of the nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal K3B6O10Br (KBB) were experimentally investigated, including specific heat, thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion and refractive index. The specific heat of KBB is lower than that of LiB3O5 and higher than that of other borate NLO crystals, such as β-BaB2O4, CsLiB6O10 and CsB3O5, and KBB manifests a high damage threshold because of its lower temperature gradient during laser pulse irradiation. The thermal expansion coefficients were obtained as α
x
= 5.09 × 10−6 K−1 and α
z
= 2.39 × 10−5 K−1, showing weaker anisotropy than those of commonly used NLO crystals. The temperature-dependent Sellmeier dispersion equations of the refractive indices were also obtained, and the phase-matching angles for second harmonic generation (SHG) at temperatures of 313, 343, 373, 403 and 433 K which were calculated from these equations are in good agreement with the experimental values. All results are indicative of the KBB crystal as a novel promising NLO crystal for high power SHG.
Element-specific structural analysis of Si/B4C using resonant X-ray reflectivity. Corrigendum
Authors: Nayak Maheswar , Pradhan P. C. , Lodha G. S.
Published: March 2016

Errors in the article by Nayak, Pradhan & Lodha [J. Appl. Cryst. (2015), 48, 786–796] are corrected.
The role of absorptive and desorptive capacity (ACDC) in sustainable supply management
Authors: Meinlschmidt Jan , Foerstl Kai , Kirchoff Jon F
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Sustainable supply management (SSM) has attracted considerable attention from researchers in recent years concentrating on how firms develop and use SSM capabilities to meet stakeholder demands. Acquiring and sharing sustainability knowledge with suppliers have been identified as critical success factors of SSM. The purpose of this paper is to identify the mechanisms that allow firms to effectively acquire and share sustainability-related knowledge with suppliers and how these knowledge generation and desorption mechanisms support the evolution of firm SSM capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– To address the research purpose, four longitudinal case studies, two industry leaders in SSM and two industry followers, were conducted at multiple consecutive points in time between 2008 and 2013.

Findings

– The results indicate which mechanisms constitute a sustainability-related absorptive and desorptive capacity and how they support SSM. Thereby, this research explains which mechanisms support firms to acquire sustainability knowledge, assimilate and exploit it and also share it with their suppliers over time.

Research limitations/implications

– This research sheds light on the development and refinement of SSM capabilities by studying the explorative and exploitative learning cycles within focal buying firms taking place over time. Findings indicate a multiplicity in applying absorptive capacity- and desorptive capacity-related mechanisms yields an ambidextrous ability to simultaneously exploit existing knowledge through incremental SSM improvements and explore new SSM knowledge for more radical refinements of SSM capabilities.

Practical implications

– The results provide a blueprint for firms, especially for sustainability followers, seeking to develop effective SSM capabilities. Furthermore, the results explain which mechanisms support firms to acquire, assimilate and exploit sustainability knowledge and also to share it with their suppliers.

Originality/value

– SSM knowledge acquisition, assimilation, exploitation and sharing takes place over time in focal buying firms. This ongoing process helps explain how an SSM capability development and refinement is manifested in both leaders and followers.
Implementing yoga within the school curriculum: a scientific rationale for improving social-emotional learning and positive student outcomes
Authors: Butzer Bethany , Bury Denise , Telles Shirley , Khalsa Sat Bir S.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review and synthesise research evidence and propose a theoretical model suggesting that school-based yoga programs may be an effective way to promote social-emotional learning (SEL) and positive student outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a literature review focusing on: the current state of research on school-based yoga interventions; a preliminary theoretical model outlining the potential mechanisms and effects of school-based yoga; similarities, differences and possibilities for integrating school-based SEL, yoga and meditation; practical implications for researching and implementing yoga in schools.

Findings

– Research suggests that providing yoga within the school curriculum may be an effective way to help students develop self-regulation, mind-body awareness and physical fitness, which may, in turn, foster additional SEL competencies and positive student outcomes such as improved behaviours, mental state, health and performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Given that research on school-based yoga is in its infancy, most existing studies are preliminary and are of low to moderate methodological quality. It will be important for future research to employ more rigorous study designs.

Practical implications

– It is possible, pending additional high-quality research, that yoga could become a well-accepted component of school curricula. It will be particularly important for future research to examine possibilities around integrating school-based yoga and meditation with SEL programs at the individual, group and school-wide levels.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to describe a theoretical model specifically focused on school-based yoga interventions, as well as a discussion of the similarities and differences between school-based yoga, SEL and meditation.
Dark side of personality, intelligence, creativity, and managerial level
Authors: Ahmetoglu Gorkan , Dobbs Stacey , Furnham Adrian , Crump John , Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas , Bakhshalian Elmira
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of the Five-Factor Model Personality Disorder (FFM PD) count technique to industrial, work, and organizational (IWO) criteria. In this vein, the present research sought to extend previous studies (e.g. De Fruytet al., 2009) by eliminating common method variance, and by including several objectively assessed IWO criteria, namely, managerial level, intelligence, and creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 1,659 working adults reported their managerial level in their organization, and completed two intelligence tests, a measure of creativity, and a measure of the Big Five personality traits in an assessment centre. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Results showed that the FFM PD counts were significantly associated with each IWO criteria. Results also show that specific linear combinations of Five-Factor Model facets can explain a larger proportion of the variance in these criteria. Finally, normative benchmark values are provided and validated for personnel development contexts in the UK.

Research limitations/implications

– Because the FFM PD score-distributions were limited to one assessment setting (medium stakes) only, the use of proposed benchmarks may not be appropriate for other contexts.

Practical implications

– Considering the mounting evidence in the area, assessing dark side traits is likely to be desirable for organizations – particularly in selection and development settings.

Originality/value

– This study is the first to demonstrate the validity of the FFM PD count technique in relation to objectively measured IWO criteria.
Core personality traits of managers
Authors: Lounsbury John W. , Sundstrom Eric D. , Gibson Lucy W. , Loveland James M. , Drost Adam W.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically compare managers with employees in other occupations on Big Five and narrow personality traits to identify a distinctive personality profile for managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– An archival data set representing employees in a wide range of business sectors and organizations was utilized to compare trait scores of 9,138 managers with 76,577 non-managerial employees. Profile analysis (PA) with MANOVA and analysis of covariance was used to compare managers and non-managers on Big Five traits Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Emotional Stability; and narrow traits Assertiveness, Optimism, Work Drive, and Customer Service Orientation.

Findings

– As hypothesized, compared to non-managers, managers had significantly higher scores across nine traits, all of which correlated significantly with managerial career satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– Although job tenure and managerial level are not examined, the findings align with managerial competence models, the Attraction-Selection-Attrition model, and vocational theory and raise questions for research on the adaptive value of these traits for managers’ satisfaction and effectiveness.

Practical implications

– The results carry practical implications for selection, placement, training, career planning for managers, and particularly for their professional development.

Social implications

– A distinctive personality profile for managers clarifies the occupational identity of managers, which contributes to public and professional understanding of managers and their roles.

Originality/value

– This study is original in reporting an empirical, theoretically grounded personality profile of managers that includes both Big Five and narrow traits.
Normative measurement of job satisfaction in the US
Authors: Gillespie Michael A , Balzer William K , Brodke Michelle H , Garza Maya , Gerbec Erin N , Gillespie Jennifer Z , Gopalkrishnan Purnima , Lengyel Joel S , Sliter Katherine A , Sliter Michael T , Withrow Scott A , Yugo Jennifer E
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of norms and inference, while providing national overall and subgroup norms for the updated Job Descriptive Index and Job in General measures of job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– A stratified random sample was drawn from an online panel to represent the US working population on key variables. Validity evidence is provided. Determination of subgroup norms was based on practical significance.

Findings

– The revised measures fit the theorized model and patterns of results are consistent with the literature. Practical subgroup differences were found for some stratification variables. Subgroup norms are made available; the first US overall norms are provided.

Research limitations/implications

– An updated job satisfaction measurement system is made available, complete with nationally representative overall and subgroup norms. A major limitation and direction for future research is the lack of norms for other nations.

Practical implications

– The revised measurement system is available for use in practice. National overall norms improve decision-makers’ ability to infer respondents’ relative standing and make comparisons across facets and employees. The JDI is useful for dimensional diagnostics and development efforts; the JIG is useful for evaluating overall job satisfaction levels.

Social implications

– By facilitating valid inferences of job satisfaction scores, the revised measurement system serves to enhance the quality of life at work.

Originality/value

– The authors provide the only publicly available job satisfaction measurement system that has US national overall norms.
Gender differences in career planning and success
Authors: Jung Yuhee , Takeuchi Norihiko
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it attempts to examine how employees’ career planning (CP) interacts with the quality of leader-member exchange (LMX) to explain subjective career success. Second, the authors investigate how the pattern of such interactions differs between male and female employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– To increase the generalizability, the study tested hypotheses in two studies whose data were collected in different national settings. Study 1 was designed to analyze 144 Korean employees and Study 2 investigated 140 Japanese employees. Both groups of employees worked for privately owned firms.

Findings

– The authors found a three-way interaction effect between gender, CP, and LMX quality in predicting subjective career success. As hypothesized, the positive relationship between quality of LMX and subjective career success was stronger for males with high CP, whereas for females such a stronger relationship was found for women with low CP.

Research limitations/implications

– This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it extends career research by considering the interactive effects of individual and interpersonal factors on employees’ subjective career success. Second, it combines the research streams of social exchange theory (LMX), career theory (the boundaryless career), and gender theory (agentic and communal personality traits). This suggests that the ideas of the three theories could serve together as a useful framework for explaining gender differences in subjective career success through setting career goals and building relationships with supervisors.

Practical implications

– The findings have important practical implications for managers and leaders, who generally seek to motivate their employees toward career achievement.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first to provide a new perspective for understanding the process by which men and women perceive their subjective career success differently with regard to social exchange relations with their supervisors and CP.
Whey decontamination by kefir immobilized on grape stalks
Authors: Soupioni Magdalini , Psarologou Alexandra
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possibility of a new biocatalyst prepared by kefir cells immobilization on grape stalks (GS) to reduce quickly and efficiently the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the waste whey during its fermentation producing potable ethanol.

Design/methodology/approach

– Many batch whey fermentations were carried out in order the effect of various conditions (pH, temperature) on 14C-labeled lactose uptake rate by the GS-immobilized kefir cells and consequently on fermentation rate as well as on ethanol production and whey BOD and COD reduction to be determined.

Findings

– It has been illustrated that GS-biocatalyst was suitable for whey BOD and COD reduction by about 32 and 25 percent, respectively during whey alcoholic fermentation at 30°C and pH 5.5 in only ten hours, producing about 3.30 percent w/v of ethanol.

Originality/value

– The findings of this research may enhance the existing literature on whey exploitation, for the first time focussing on the use of cheap and abundant GS as support for kefir immobilization during whey fermentation, which is potentially acceptable by industries in order to reduce fast and easily the whey polluting load and produce ethanol.
Older adult recovery: “What are we working towards?”
Authors: Rankin Samantha , Petty Stephanie
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The perspectives of frontline clinical staff working with individuals in later life within an inpatient mental health setting, of their role in recovery, have not yet been explored. The purpose of this paper is to understand what recovery means within an inpatient mental health setting for older adults. The authors address clear implications for clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 multidisciplinary participants across two specialist older adult recovery units at an independent hospital in the UK. Thematic analysis was applied to the transcripts.

Findings

– Three main themes were identified: participants identified their normative task as the promotion of “moving on” (clinical recovery) and their existential task as personal recovery. The context in which recovery happens was highlighted as the third theme. These represented competing workplace goals of clinical and personal recovery. This highlights the need to give permission to personal recovery as the process that enables mental health recovery in older adults.

Originality/value

– Staff working in a inpatient mental health service for older adults discussed the meaning of recovery and their role in enabling recovery. This has implications for sustainable clinical practice in this setting. Recovery-orientated practice in this setting is required but the detail is not yet understood.
Exploring how an area’s crime-to-cop ratios impact patrol officer productivity
Authors: Bonkiewicz Luke
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the combined crime rate and staffing levels of a patrol area affect patrol officers’ productivity. Specifically, the author identified and analyzed two macro-level correlates of patrol officer productivity: reported violent crimes per officer and reported property crimes per officer (a beat’s “crime-to-cop” ratios).

Design/methodology/approach

– Using hierarchical linear modeling, the author estimated the effects of a patrol area’s violent crimes per officer ratio and property crimes per officer ratio on the annual number of traffic citations, warrants, misdemeanor arrests, and felony arrests generated by patrol officers (n=302). The author also examined the effect of these crime-to-cop ratios on a more advanced productivity metric.

Findings

– The results suggest that a patrol area’s rate of property crimes per officer is associated with a moderate decrease in an officer’s annual number of traffic citations, warrant arrests, and misdemeanor arrests; a patrol area’s rate of violent crimes per officer is also associated with a moderate decrease in an officer’s annual number of traffic citations; and a patrol area’s rate of violent crimes per officer is associated with a moderate increase in an officer’s annual number of warrant and misdemeanor arrests. Notably, the crime-to-cop ratios are not correlated with a more sophisticated patrol productivity metric.

Research limitations/implications

– The author analyzed data from a mid-sized US police department that uses a generalists policing style. It is unknown if these results translate to smaller or larger police departments, as well as those agencies practicing a specialized policing style.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that police scholars should not only recognize how the crime-to-cop ratios of a patrol area might impact patrol officer productivity, but also incorporate more sophisticated metrics of patrol officer activity in future studies. These findings likewise signal to police practitioners that an area’s crime-to-cop ratios should be considered when allocating officers and other resources across patrol areas.

Originality/value

– To the authors knowledge, this is the first study to identify and examine the link between a patrol area’s crime-to-cop ratios and patrol officer productivity.
Chemical reproductive traits of diploid Bombus terrestris males: Consequences on bumblebee conservation
Authors: Lecocq Thomas , Gérard Maxence , Maebe Kevin , Brasero Nicolas , Dehon Lauren , Smagghe Guy , Valterová Irena , De Meulemeester Thibaut , Rasmont Pierre , Michez Denis
Published: March 2016

The current bumblebee decline leads to inbreeding in populations that fosters a loss of allelic diversity and diploid male production. As diploid males are viable and their offspring are sterile, bumblebee populations can quickly fall in a vortex of extinction. In this article, we investigate for the first time a potential premating mechanism through a major chemical reproductive trait (male cephalic labial gland secretions) that could prevent monandrous virgin queens from mating with diploid males. We focus our study on the cephalic labial gland secretions of diploid and haploid males of Bombus terrestris (L.). Contrary to initial expectations, our results do not show any significant differentiation of cephalic labial gland secretions between diploid and haploid specimens. Queens seem therefore to be unable to avoid mating with diploid males based on their compositions of cephalic labial gland secretions. This suggests that the vortex of extinction of diploid males could not be stopped through premating avoidance based on the cephalic labial gland secretions but other mechanisms could avoid mating between diploid males and queens.
Imiquimod in the treatment of penile intraepithelial neoplasia: An update
Authors: Deen Kristyn , Burdon‐Jones David
Published: March 2016

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), or penile squamous cell carcinoma in situ, is a rare disease and may be associated with high morbidity and mortality. In an attempt to avoid surgical intervention, which may result in poor cosmetic and functional outcomes for patients, many non‐invasive treatments have been trialled with variable success rates. This review summarises the available literature describing the use of topical imiquimod for PIN. While the results of our review are limited by the heterogeneity of the methods and follow ups of the included case series and case reports, they highlight the fact that patients with PIN have variable responses to imiquimod which seem less effective than previously reported. Therefore, if imiquimod treatment is instituted in PIN, clinicians should counsel their patients about the effects associated with treatment, the potential for a partial or no response to treatment, and the risk of recurrence. A strict follow‐up plan is also necessary to monitor both patient adherence and PIN recurrence after treatment completion, in case surgical options need to be considered.
An increased prevalence of self‐reported allergic rhinitis in major Chinese cities from 2005 to 2011
Authors: Wang X. D. , Zheng M. , Lou H. F. , Wang C. S. , Zhang Y. , Bo M. Y. , Ge S. Q. , Zhang N. , Zhang L. , Bachert C.
Published: March 2016

Background

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has increased worldwide in recent decades. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of self‐reported AR and profiles of AR‐related comorbidities in the adult population of China over time.

Methods

This study surveyed residents of 18 major cities in mainland China. Telephone interviews were conducted with study participants after sampling target telephone numbers by random digit dialing. The questions asked during telephone interviews were based on those included in validated questionnaires and focused on topics regarding AR, nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), acute/chronic rhinosinusitis (ARS/CRS), asthma, and atopic dermatitis (AD).

Results

During 2011, a total of 47 216 telephone interviews were conducted, and the overall response rate was 77.5%. When compared with the AR prevalence in 11 cities surveyed in 2005, there was a significant increase in self‐reported adult AR in eight of those cities (P < 0.01). In 2011, the standardized prevalence of self‐reported adult AR in the 18 cities was 17.6%. The concentration of SO2 was positively correlated with the prevalence of AR (r = 0.504, P = 0.033). A multiple regression model showed that the absolute change in household yearly income was significantly associated with the change in the prevalence of AR (R2 = 0.68), after adjusting for PM10, SO2, NO2, temperature, and humidity. The overall prevalences of NAR, ARS, CRS, asthma, and AD in the general population were 16.4%, 5.4%, 2.1%, 5.8%, and 14%, respectively.

Conclusion

During a 6‐year period, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of self‐reported AR in the general Chinese adult population. The incidence of AR being accompanied by rhinosinusitis, asthma, or AD was significantly higher among individuals having self‐reported AR compared with the general population.
Why Can Modern Governments Tax So Much? An Agency Model of Firms as Fiscal Intermediaries
Authors: Kleven Henrik Jacobsen , Kreiner Claus Thustrup , Saez Emmanuel
Published: March 2016

We develop an agency model explaining why third‐party information reporting by firms makes tax enforcement successful. While third‐party reporting would be ineffective with frictionless collusion between firms and employees, collusive evasion is impossible to sustain in firms with many employees and accurate business records as any single employee may reveal evasion. We embed our agency model into a macro model where the number of employees grows with development, showing that the tax take evolves as an S‐shape driven by changes in third‐party information. We show that our model is consistent with a set of stylized facts on taxation and development.
The Rising Postgraduate Wage Premium
Authors: Lindley Joanne , Machin Stephen
Published: March 2016

Despite post‐college degree holders now making up nearly 15% of the US adult workforce, studies of their labour market performance remain sparse. This is surprising given that they are the most educated group in the labour force and as, over time, they have done significantly better than all other education groups. We show a significant rise over time in the postgraduate wage premium, reflecting an increased relative demand due to their superior skill sets and occupational status. The increase in the demand for postgraduates is a key factor behind rising wage inequality within the increasingly heterogeneous college graduate workforce.
Predictable Recoveries
Authors: Cai Xiaoming , Den Haan Wouter J. , Pinder Jonathan
Published: March 2016

A random walk with drift is a good univariate representation of US GDP. This paper shows, however, that US economic downturns have been associated with predictable short‐term recoveries and with changes in long‐term GDP forecasts that are substantially smaller than the initial drop. To detect these predictable changes, it is important to use a multivariate time series model. We discuss reasons why univariate representations can miss key characteristics of the underlying variable such as predictability, especially during recessions.
BERTRAND COMPETITION WITH ASYMMETRIC MARGINAL COSTS
Authors: Dugar Subhasish , Mitra Arnab
Published: March 2016

This article tests the prediction of three discrete asymmetric duopoly price competition games in the laboratory. The games differ from each other in terms of the size of the cost asymmetry that induces a systematic variation in the difference between the firms' marginal costs. While the standard theory requires the low‐cost firm to set a price just equal to the high‐cost firm's marginal cost, which is identical across all three games, and win the entire market, intuition suggests that market price may increase with a decrease in the absolute difference between the two marginal costs. We develop a quantal response equilibrium model to test our competing conjecture. (JEL L11, L12, C91, D43)
Involvement of serotonin 2C receptor RNA editing in accumbal neuropeptide Y expression and behavioural despair
Authors: Aoki Miku , Watanabe Yoshihisa , Yoshimoto Kanji , Tsujimura Atsushi , Yamamoto Toshiro , Kanamura Narisato , Tanaka Masaki
Published: March 2016

Serotonin 2C receptors (5‐HT2CRs) are widely expressed in the central nervous system, and are associated with various neurological disorders. 5‐HT2CR mRNA undergoes adenosine‐to‐inosine RNA editing at five sites within its coding sequence, resulting in expression of 24 different isoforms. Several edited isoforms show reduced activity, suggesting that RNA editing modulates serotonergic systems in the brain with causative relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders. Transgenic mice solely expressing the non‐edited 5‐HT2CR INI‐isoform (INI) or the fully edited VGV‐isoform exhibit various phenotypes including metabolic abnormalities, aggressive behaviour, anxiety‐like behaviour, and depression‐like behaviour. Here, we examined the behavioural phenotype and molecular changes of INI mice on a C57BL/6J background. INI mice showed an enhanced behavioural despair in the forced swimming test, elevated sensitivity to the tricyclic antidepressant desipramine, and significantly decreased serotonin in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), amygdala, and striatum. They also showed reduced expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA in the NAc. In addition, by stereotactic injection of adeno‐associated virus encoding NPY into the NAc, we demonstrated that accumbal NPY overexpression relieved behavioural despair. Our results suggest that accumbal NPY expression may be regulated by 5‐HT2CR RNA editing, and its impairment may be linked to mood disorders.
Primary closure of equine laryngotomy incisions: Healing characteristics and complications of 180 cases
Authors: Lindegaard C. , Karlsson L. , Ekstrøm C. T. , Fjeldborg J.
Published: March 2016

The objective was to report healing characteristics and complications after primary closure of equine laryngotomies and analyse factors potentially associated with complications. This retrospective case series of the medical records of horses (n = 180) undergoing laryngoplasty and laryngotomy incision between January 1995 and June 2012 were reviewed. Horses with a laryngotomy incision closed in three layers for primary healing were included. Descriptive data on healing characteristics and complications of laryngotomy wounds were collected from the medical records and via follow‐up questionnaires sent to the owners. During hospitalisation 6.1% of the laryngotomy wounds became infected. In addition, 3.3% had oedema around the wound and 3.3% had subcutaneous emphysema after surgery. Neither oedema nor emphysema required additional treatment. No signs of respiratory distress, need of a tracheotomy or need for a reopening of the laryngotomy was observed in any horse. Infection of the laryngoplasty wound occurred in one horse. A total of 96 questionnaires were answered. Prolonged healing of the incision after discharge from the hospital was reported in four horses (4.2%). Laryngotomy infections were confined to the subcutaneous tissues; none led to complete dehiscence and all healed within 4 weeks. Regression analysis showed that closure of the skin with suture carried significantly higher odds of infection than skin staples (OR = 7.93 [95% CI: 2.55–24.67]; P = 0.032). Complications after primary closure of equine laryngotomy incisions are infrequent and considered of minimal severity and can be performed safely when paying careful attention to the closure of the cricothyroid membrane.
Mechano‐Hydrothermal Synthesis of Tetraborate Pillared Li–Al Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Qu Jun , Li Xuewei , Lei Zhiwu , Li Zhao , Chen Min , Zhang Qiwu
Published: March 2016

Tetraborate pillared Li–Al layered double hydroxide was synthesized for the first time by a mechano‐hydrothermal process in which gibbsite (Al(OH)3) sample was first activated by a ball milling, followed by hydrothermal treatment with Li2B4O7 in water at 95°C. Activation of gibbsite Al(OH)3 induced by mechanochemical process was essential for the formation of thin disk‐like Li–Al LDH intercalated with borate anion. When in excess the activated Al(OH)3 was transformed into bayerite phase during the hydrothermal process.
Demonstration of Copper Co‐Fired (Na, K)NbO3 Multilayer Structures for Piezoelectric Applications
Authors: Gao Lisheng , Ko Song‐Won , Guo Hanzheng , Hennig Eberhard , Randall Clive A.
Published: March 2016

A Li and Ta modified (Na, K)NbO3 piezoelectric ceramic has been successfully co‐fired with inner copper electrodes in a reduced atmosphere. Highly dense NKN ceramics (95% relative density, 4.64 g/cm3) were obtained by sintering the samples in a low oxygen partial pressure (low pO2) atmosphere at 1050°C. The poly(propylene carbonate) binder system was used to permit a clean burnout at low temperature in N2 atmosphere, and also prevent the electrode copper particles from undergoing any oxidation. No interdiffusion of copper, chemical reactions, and/or carbon residues were observed in the grains, grain boundaries, or at the electrode–ceramic interface of the co‐fired samples from a detailed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Dielectric and piezoelectric properties were characterized from those co‐fired prototyped samples. The samples displayed high relative dielectric permittivity above 800, with low dielectric loss about 3.6%. A normalized strain coefficient (max. strain/max. electric field) of = 220 pm/V was obtained under unipolar converse electromechanical measurement at 20 kV/cm. This paper presents the feasibility of co‐firing a Cu inner electrode with NKN ceramics toward multilayer lead‐free piezoelectric applications, providing an engineering route to narrow the performance differences between soft lead‐based piezoelectrics and lead‐free materials.
Laser therapies for onychomycosis – critical evaluation of methods and effectiveness
Authors: Francuzik W. , Fritz K. , Salavastru C.
Published: March 2016

The number of medical devices designed specifically to treat onychomycosis has recently increased, although their mechanism of action is not clear. We evaluated available laser therapies for onychomycosis by reviewing the existing literature. Twenty‐two reports, published in peer‐reviewed journals and as white papers out of 926 initial search results conveyed enough details to be included in this study. In most cases, the methodology of the trials described in the papers we reviewed was not comprehensive and the reporting of outcomes was not unified. We therefore found it hard to compare different clinical trials to one another. The majority of studies (81.82%) reported using an Nd:YAG laser device to treat onychomycosis. A total of 47.37% of the studies which used a 1064 device (and 47.83% of all studies we reviewed) reported that all treated patients responded positively to laser therapy. A total of 60% of studies reported achieving a complete cure (no clinical symptoms, nor negative mycology) in at least 50% of the treated patients. A low number of adverse events and their mild intensity were consistently reported across all studies, which makes this form of therapy particularly attractive to patients with contraindications for receiving systemic antifungal medication. In order to achieve more unified, comparable studies in the future, we suggest that researchers report a minimum set of outcome measurements: the calculation of the infected nail area pre‐ and posttreatment, as well as the number of patients achieving mycological, clinical and complete cures.
Overview of skin whitening agents with an insight into the illegal cosmetic market in Europe
Authors: Desmedt B. , Courselle P. , De Beer J.O. , Rogiers V. , Grosber M. , Deconinck E. , De Paepe K.
Published: March 2016

Lightening skin tone is an ancient and well‐documented practice, and remains common practice among many cultures. Whitening agents such as corticosteroids, tretinoin and hydroquinone are medically applied to effectively lighten the skin tone of hyperpigmented lesions. However, when these agents are used cosmetically, they are associated with a variety of side‐effect. Alternative agents, such as arbutin and its derivatives kojic acid and nicotinamide have been subsequently developed for cosmetic purposes. Unfortunately, some cosmetics contain whitening agents that are banned for use in cosmetic products. This article provides an overview of the mode of action and potential side‐effects of cosmetic legal and illegal whitening agents, and the pattern of use of these types of products. Finally, an EU analysis of the health problems due to the presence of illegal products on the market is summarized.
Hedonic and Word Association Techniques Confirm a Successful Way of Introducing Fish into Public School Meals
Authors: Latorres J.M. , Mitterer‐Daltoé M.L. , Queiroz M.I.
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of fish meatballs introduced into the lunch of 132 6‐ to 14‐year‐old students at a public school in Brazil. Responses were obtained using a seven‐point facial hedonic scale and the word association method was used to determine children's cognitive perception of the product. We used multinomial logistic regression to evaluate the effects of age and gender on the acceptance of fish meatballs and established a predictive model for different acceptance levels. The technique known as correspondence analysis was used to verify the relationship between the acceptance rates or student's age with the terms that emerged during the word association. Results showed that age was significantly and inversely correlated with the acceptance of fish meatballs. The cognitive evaluation of the word association results through the word association technique demonstrated that the preferences of the younger students are given by the appearance of the fish meatballs, and, in as they grow older, their cognitions become more abstract. We found that the word association can be effectively used for cognitive assessment in children, and fish meatballs proved to be a potentially accepted food in school meals of the Brazilian public education.

Practical Applications

Fish is considered as a high nutritional value food in the diet. However, it has low acceptance among children. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the attributes and insights that lead the children to accept a fish‐based product.
Museum Activism Against Military Sexual Slavery
Authors: Tai Eika
Published: March 2016

There has been political tension in East Asia over Japan's avoidance of facing its history of imperial expansion and wartime atrocities. Peace museums have been battlefields for the debate on how to remember the war. One of the fiercest battles has been fought at the Women's Active Museum on War and Peace, known as the WAM, which focuses on the issue of “military comfort women,” those forced to offer sexual service to Japanese soldiers during the Asia–Pacific War. The WAM has been leading political activism against right‐wing nationalists who deny the history of military sexual slavery. I examine museum activism at the WAM, delving into specific strategies for educating and politicizing visitors. I argue that it takes advantage of the museum's two roles as temple and forum. I also want to show that the WAM is collaborative in every aspect of museum creation and operation: finance, collections, archives, research, displays, and education.
Anatomic abnormalities are common potential explanations of manometric esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction
Authors: DeLay K. , Austin G. L. , Menard‐Katcher P.
Published: March 2016

Background

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is an esophageal motility diagnosis associated with a myriad of conditions. The frequency of EGJOO attributed to anatomic causes compared to idiopathic causes is uncertain. Our study aims to identify the frequency of EGJOO and to compare these two groups.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study of high‐resolution manometry (HRM) studies with a diagnosis of EGJOO performed at a single academic center. EGJOO cases were classified as anatomic (if any potential anatomic cause was identified) or idiopathic. Clinical and manometric characteristics of idiopathic EGJOO were compared with anatomic EGJOO cases.

Key Results

Criteria for EGJOO were met in 11% of HRM studies. Ancillary studies revealed 21/32 EGJOO cases had potential anatomic causes with a hiatal hernia noted in 15/21 cases of anatomic EGJOO. Idiopathic EGJOO cases met Chicago Classification criteria for hypercontractile esophagus with greater frequency than anatomic cases (p = 0.01). The mean distal contractile integral was significantly greater for idiopathic cases compared to anatomic cases (p = 0.003). Treatments used for EGJOO were varied and usually successful in alleviating symptoms. Patients with anatomic EGJOO related to a hiatal hernia who underwent an antireflux operation did not develop dysphagia postoperatively.

Conclusions & Inferences

EGJOO is a frequently encountered manometric diagnosis, commonly associated with anatomic abnormalities potentially explaining the EGJOO. These findings support current recommendations to pursue ancillary diagnostics to investigate cases of unexplained EGJOO. Cases of idiopathic EGJOO are more likely to have hypercontractility on HRM, possibly suggesting a primary esophageal motility disorder.
Terpene metabolic engineering via nuclear or chloroplast genomes profoundly and globally impacts off‐target pathways through metabolite signalling
Authors: Pasoreck Elise K. , Su Jin , Silverman Ian M. , Gosai Sager J. , Gregory Brian D. , Yuan Joshua S. , Daniell Henry
Published: March 2016

The impact of metabolic engineering on nontarget pathways and outcomes of metabolic engineering from different genomes are poorly understood questions. Therefore, squalene biosynthesis genes FARNESYL DIPHOSPHATE SYNTHASE (FPS) and SQUALENE SYNTHASE (SQS) were engineered via the Nicotiana tabacum chloroplast (C), nuclear (N) or both (CN) genomes to promote squalene biosynthesis. SQS levels were ~4300‐fold higher in C and CN lines than in N, but all accumulated ~150‐fold higher squalene due to substrate or storage limitations. Abnormal leaf and flower phenotypes, including lower pollen production and reduced fertility, were observed regardless of the compartment or level of transgene expression. Substantial changes in metabolomes of all lines were observed: levels of 65–120 unrelated metabolites, including the toxic alkaloid nicotine, changed by as much as 32‐fold. Profound effects of transgenesis on nontarget gene expression included changes in the abundance of 19 076 transcripts by up to 2000‐fold in CN; 7784 transcripts by up to 1400‐fold in N; and 5224 transcripts by as much as 2200‐fold in C. Transporter‐related transcripts were induced, and cell cycle‐associated transcripts were disproportionally repressed in all three lines. Transcriptome changes were validated by qRT‐PCR. The mechanism underlying these large changes likely involves metabolite‐mediated anterograde and/or retrograde signalling irrespective of the level of transgene expression or end product, due to imbalance of metabolic pools, offering new insight into both anticipated and unanticipated consequences of metabolic engineering.
Human parechovirus type 3 infection: Cause of apnea in infants born prematurely
Authors: Nirei Jun , Aizawa Yuta , Okazaki Minoru , Kobayashi Akira , Onozuka Junya , Numata Osamu , Oishi Tomohiro , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: March 2016

Four infants born prematurely presented with multiple apnea episodes caused by human parechovirus type 3 (HPeV3) infection. All patients required oxygen supplementation, and one patient required mechanical ventilation. HPeV3 infection might be included in the differential diagnosis of apnea in neonates and young infants, especially those born prematurely.
On Olsson's Interphase Condition in Cavitation Analysis
Authors: Pan Coda H. T.
Published: March 2016

Olsson's interphase condition (OIC) is carefully examined and scrutinized with respect to both physical and mathematical implications. It is a genuine initial value problem statement so that its full compliance is mandatory for analyzing time-dependent cavitation problems in the journal bearing. Implementation of OIC must include: (1) an unambiguous description of the initial state of the entire fluid film of the bearing, (2) a realistic description of fluid supply configuration, (3) accurate determination of the locations of the void boundaries together with the corresponding pressure gradients, and (4) a suitable morphology model for the cavitated fluid. A new computation algorithm is proposed for cavitation studies that are governed by cross-boundary interface continuity (CBIC), which is a modified statement of OIC.
Intrinsic Mechanisms Limiting the Use of Carbon Fiber Composite Pressure Vessels
Authors: Thionnet Alain , Bunsell Anthony , Chou Heng-Yi
Published: March 2016

The viscoelastic properties of the resins used in carbon fiber composite pressure vessels introduce time effects which allow damage processes to develop during use under load. A detailed understanding of these processes has been achieved through both experimental and theoretical studies on flat unidirectional specimens and with comparisons with the behavior of pressure vessels. Under steady pressures, the relaxation of the resin in the vicinity of earlier fiber breaks gradually increases the sustained stress in neighboring intact fibers and some eventually break. The rate of fiber failure has been modeled based only on physical criteria and shown to accurately predict fiber failure leading to composite failure, as seen in earlier studies. Under monotonic loading, failure is seen to be initiated when the earlier random nature of breaks changes so as to produce clusters of fiber breaks. Under steady loading, at loads less than that producing monotonic failure, greater damage can be sustained without immediately inducing composite failure. However, if the load level is high enough failure does eventually occur. It has been shown, however, that below a certain load level the probability of failure reduces asymptotically to zero. This allows a minimum safety factor to be quantitatively determined taking into account the intrinsic nature of the composite although other factors such as accidental damage or manufacturing variations need to be assessed before such a factor can be proposed as standards for pressure vessels.
Gap Analysis of Engineering Course Learning Outcomes, Syllabus and Program Learning Outcomes Using NCEES FE Exam
Authors: Tanbour Emad , Ashur Suleiman
Published: March 2016

In this paper a methodology to identify gaps in course learning outcomes using Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) is presented. The methodology is applied to selected courses in General Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (international university), and Civil Engineering (US University). It has been concluded that the methodology succeeded to identify gaps in course learning outcomes of these courses and corrective actions to topics covered is consequently proposed. The proposed methodology is adequate for programs already developed and is recommended as a continuous improvement and review method for engineering curriculum.