bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active flow control analysis at the rear of an SUV
Authors: Eulalie Yoann , Fournier Elisabeth , Gilotte Philippe , Holst David , Johnson Shaun , Nayeri Christian Navid , Schütz Thomas , Wieser Dirk
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to present an experimental investigation of an active flow control solution mounted at rear of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with the objective of drag reduction, thanks to a selection of flow control parameters leading to a pressure increase on the tailgate.

Design/methodology/approach

A flow control design of experiments was conducted with a pulsed jet system mounted on the top and sides of the rear window of the vehicle. The wall pressure, instantaneous velocity and drag were measured with this prototype in a wind tunnel. A dynamic modal decomposition (DMD) analysis of the pressure enables to describe the pressure fluctuations. Fluid dynamic computations show relation between pressure and velocity fields.

Findings

Measurements with this prototype in the wind tunnel revealed small improvements in drag for the best flow control configurations. This small benefit is because of the core of the upper span wise vortex further away from the rear window than the lower span wise vortex. These small improvements in drag were confirmed with pressure measurements on the rear window and tailgate. The DMD analysis of the surface pressure showed a low frequency pendulum oscillation on the lower area of the tailgate, linked with low velocity frequencies in the shear layers near the tailgate.

Originality/value

Experimental and numerical results show interest to increase pressure at bottom of the rear end of this SUV prototype. The dynamic description of the wall pressure shows importance of flow control solutions reducing pressure fluctuations at low frequencies in the lower area of the tailgate.
Distortion reconstruction in S-ducts from wall static pressure measurements
Authors: Grenson Pierre , Garnier Eric
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to report the attempts for predicting “on-the-fly” flow distortion in the engine entrance plane of a highly curved S-duct from wall static pressure measurements. Such a technology would be indispensable to trigger active flow control devices to mitigate the intense flow separations which occur in specific flight conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Evaluation of different reconstruction algorithms is performed on the basis of data extracted from a Zonal Detached Eddy Simulation (ZDES) of a well-documented S-Duct (Garnier et al., AIAA J., 2015). Contrary to RANS methods, such a hybrid approach makes unsteady distortions available, which are necessary information for reconstruction algorithm assessment.

Findings

The best reconstruction accuracy is obtained with the artificial neural network (ANN) but the improvement compared to the classical linear stochastic estimation (LSE) is minor. The different inlet distortion coefficients are not reconstructed with the same accuracy. KA2 coefficient is finally identified as the more suited for activation of the control device.

Originality/value

LSE and its second-order variant (quadratic stochastic estimation [QSE]) are applied for reconstructing instantaneous stagnation pressure in the flow field. The potential improvement of an algorithm based on an ANN is also evaluated. The statistical link between the wall sensors and 40-Kulite rake sensors are carefully discussed and the accuracy of the reconstruction of the most used distortion coefficients (DC60, RDI, CDI and KA2) is quantified for each estimation technique.
The way we work: linking market orientation with internal workplace solutions
Authors: Piroos Amrina , Neffe Carolin , Lattuch Frank
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This study aims to reinforce the importance of taking HR beyond administrative activity leading to stronger market orientated performance and the greater use of its people. Many organizations underestimate the effects of deliberately combining market orientation with internal communication demands. As a strategic partner, HR can offer support for designing effective workplace concepts that address such a challenge.

Design/methodology/approach

Using in-depth interviews, the authors explore aspects of effective workplace designs in high-performing German firms. This work is taken from a wider study of commercial office solutions completed in 2017.

Findings

Workplace designs need to be carefully developed to meet firm-specific needs dedicated to a market orientation strategy.

Originality/value

Practical lessons are drawn for helping HR professionals to better facilitate market orientation and communication needs from inside the organization.
Recovery Colleges; how effective are they?
Authors: Ebrahim Selma , Glascott Angela , Mayer Heidi , Gair Elodie
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Recovery Colleges are education-based mental health resources, utilising practitioner and lived experience expertise, promoting skills to enhance student independence. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of engagement with a Recovery College in Northern England on student wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

Feedback questionnaires were analysed from 89 students attending the Recovery College. Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMBS) and “Empower Flower” (a measure of personal resources) data for 56 students were compared pre- and post-attendance at courses.

Findings

The SWEMBS and Empower Flower indicated improvements in wellbeing and personal resources pre- to post-attendance at Recovery College courses. Satisfaction with the service was high. Students saw the service as unique, accepting and enabling. Students noted they developed a sense of hope, confidence and aspirations. They related this to practical changes, e.g. increasing work-related activity and decreasing service use.

Research limitations/implications

This research suggests that there is a need for further evaluation of the unique contribution that Recovery Colleges can make to mental wellbeing, and the mechanisms involved in promoting the process of recovery.

Practical implications

The Recovery College may be a cost-effective way to provide a supportive recovery-orientated environment which promotes students’ ability to build self-confidence and skills, enabling them to connect with others and progress towards independence and valued goals. This complements more traditional mental health services.

Originality/value

This paper reports on an area of mental health development where there is very limited research, adding valuable data to the literature.
Model theory and observing systems. Notes on the use of models in systems research
Authors: Moe Sverre , Kaivo-oja Jari
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present three different contributions to a general model theory which the authors think as relevant to systems research based on systems theory, cybernetics and constructivism. This also implies that the three contributions are shown to be of use both in the study of systems that operate by models, as well as in the practice of designing models.

Design/methodology/approach

The text is conceptual and mainly of a descriptive and referring character. Besides the sections on the three contributions to a model theory, the authors have inserted sections that relate them to systems theory. This is also achieved by the help of some simple models.

Findings

The paper also points to models as important instruments in constructing and selecting information to observing systems, and the authors hope that the text can be helpful in developing better knowledge of how models work.

Originality/value

The text is about observing systems that observe by models, and that is probably a somewhat new perspective. It is hoped that the paper can be inspiring to further studies on this matter.
An analysis of supply chain management research by
topic
Authors: Swanson David , Goel Lakshmi , Francisco Kristoffer , Stock James
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review logistics and supply chain management topics where
theories have been applied to better understand the supply chain management
(SCM) discipline identity. The purpose is threefold: to identify research
topics in logistics and supply chain management where one or more theories
have been examined; provide commentary on the theories that have been
applied to the various logistics and SCM research topics; and to provide
reference material and direction for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This structured literature review (SLR) examines research papers in logistics
and SCM from 1991 to 2015 published in eight leading academic journals.
Papers in the data set are grouped by topic and further analyzed in terms of
research method, purpose, year and journal.

Findings

This research categorizes papers by the topics that were studied to
understand important insights about how these topics have been examined by
researchers. Within each topic area, theories that researchers have used to
investigate the topics are identified. This method exposes insights such as:
how topics have evolved over time, which topics have lost prominence, which
topics may be particularly promising for future research and how topics are
treated in the literature.

Originality/value

Despite multiple calls for clarification regarding how theory has been used
in logistics and SCM, the logistics and SCM disciplines continue to grow
without adequate research on how theory has been used to examine SCM topics.
This SLR therefore provides a broad compilation of logistics and SCM
research that uses named theories and that is organized by SCM topic to
better understand the SCM discipline.
Keystone taxa predict compositional change in microbial communities
Authors: Herren Cristina M. , McMahon Katherine D.
Published: April 2018

The influence of biotic interactions on microbial community assembly is intensely debated. We hypothesized that keystone taxa, which influence community assembly through strong biotic interactions, are important for regulating microbial community composition. While highly connected microbes have been identified, evidence that these taxa act as keystones is lacking, because keystone status requires influence on whole‐community dynamics. We address this gap, showing that small subsets of highly connected keystone taxa (generally 1%–5% of richness) can be optimal predictors of whole‐community compositional change. In three long‐term data sets, greater connectivity due to the presence of keystone taxa corresponded to lower compositional turnover. We further hypothesized that the influence of keystone taxa would be diminished when environmental disturbance was a strong driver of compositional change. We used two case studies of reference and disturbed communities to investigate how biotic and abiotic forces interact to shape community composition. Most of the same taxa were present in both the reference and disturbed communities, but keystone taxa had much greater explanatory power in the reference communities. Our results suggest that greater biotic connectivity arising from the presence of keystone taxa is stabilizing to community composition, and that keystone taxa can be good indicators of pending community shifts.
Price Discrimination in Public Healthcare
Authors: Berg Nathan , Kim Jeong‐Yoo
Published: April 2018

Could a public healthcare system use price discrimination—paying medical service providers different fees, depending on the service provider's quality—lead to improvements in social welfare? We show that differentiating medical fees by quality increases social welfare relative to uniform pricing (i.e. quality‐invariant fee schedules) whenever hospitals and doctors have private information about their own ability. We also show that by moving from uniform to differentiated medical fees, the public healthcare system can effectively incentivise good doctors and hospitals (i.e. low‐cost‐types) to provide even higher levels of quality than they would under complete information. In the socially optimal quality‐differentiated medical fee system, low‐cost‐type medical‐service providers enjoy a rent due to their informational advantage. Informational rent is socially beneficial because it gives service providers a strong incentive to invest in the extra training required to deliver high‐quality services at low cost, providing yet another efficiency gain from quality‐differentiated medical fees.
China's Urban Speed Machine: The Politics of Speed and Time in a Period of Rapid Urban Growth
Authors: Chien Shiuh‐shen , Woodworth Max D.
Published: April 2018

China's urban transformation since 1978 is notable for both its scale and speed. Focusing on the dimension of speed, we propose the concept of the ‘urban speed machine’ to assess its role in shaping the politics and political economy of Chinese urbanization. We argue that in China speed must not be understood merely by means of measurable outcomes of change, but rather that speed is an essential and vital element embedded within China's specific processes and mechanisms driving urban growth. In this sense, speed is constantly at the forefront of local cadres’ considerations, since moving fast to achieve urban growth is an expression of political imperatives and pervasive city‐based accumulation strategies. The Chinese urban speed machine, as we conceive it, mainly involves three state‐dominated institutional arenas: the Communist party's personnel review system, the planning mechanism and local finance. We also discuss regional variability vis‐à‐vis the nature of speed in urbanization and in the differing responses to problems of fast‐city growth in recent years. This article's core contributions are to clarify the paramount importance of speed in the political economy of urban growth and illuminate a relational understanding of the politics of speed in China's urban change.
Effect of potassium‐based emulsifying salts on the sensory and physicochemical parameters of low‐sodium spreadable processed cheese
Authors: Nogueira Eduardo B , Costa‐Lima Bruno R C , Torres Fernanda , Regazone Ana Victoria , Melo Lilian , Franco Robson M , Cortez Marco Antonio S
Published: April 2018

The influence of different emulsifying salts (ES) on the physicochemical parameters and sensory qualities of spreadable processed cheese (SPPC) was evaluated. The fat and moisture contents of the SPPC were not affected significantly by varying proportions of ES. The replacement of sodium‐based polyphosphate blends by their monopotassium phosphate counterpart at 25% (w/w) markedly improved the sensory quality of the SPPC (on a weight basis). An SPPC of acceptable quality labelled as a ‘reduced sodium’ product was obtained using a blend of commercial emulsifying salts and monopotassium phosphate (1:1 w/w) added at 1.2% (w/w) of the total formulation weight.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Protein‐Energy Wasting in End‐Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Komaba Hirotaka , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: April 2018

Protein‐energy wasting (PEW), a syndrome involving adverse changes in nutrition and body composition, is a serious problem associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The pathogenesis of PEW is multifactorial, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. However, recent translational work has provided compelling evidence for a causal role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the pathogenesis of adipose tissue browning and increased energy expenditure, a critical component of PEW in ESRD. These results provide a biological explanation for the clinical association between secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and PEW in hemodialysis patients and may serve as an additional rationale for treating SHPT. Large‐scale clinical and epidemiological studies should determine the clinical significance of SHPT as a contributor to PEW and establish the optimal management of SHPT to ameliorate PEW.
Pour Guess: The Effect of Glass Shape and an Ice Substitute on Alcohol Pouring and Estimation
Authors: Knibb Graeme , Jones Andrew , Christiansen Paul
Published: April 2018

Background

Research suggests that people are poor at estimating the amount of alcohol they have served themselves. Glass shape, the presence of ice, and alcohol consumption may influence the amount of alcohol people pour and estimate they have poured. The aim of these studies was to examine whether these factors would affect pouring behavior, in the laboratory and in real‐world environments.

Methods

Across 4 studies, 1 laboratory study and 3 conducted during public engagement events, we tested the effect of glass shape (straight sided highball and tumbler glasses) and, using an ice substitute (whiskey stones), the effect of ice on pouring and estimating a self‐defined typical drink. We also assessed the association between alcohol consumption and pouring accuracy.

Results

Overall, participants consistently overestimated their typical serving of alcohol, and poured more than 1 U.K. unit when pouring into an empty glass. Findings demonstrate no credible effect of glass shape or ice substitute on alcohol unit estimation or the amount of a typical serving. However, while alcohol consumption was not related to accuracy, the presence of an ice substitute improved accuracy when pouring a single U.K. unit.

Conclusions

Given that participants overestimated the amount of alcohol in their typical alcoholic drink, self‐report measures of alcohol consumption may be overstating the amount of alcohol individuals consume. Additionally, the presence of ice may improve accuracy when pouring standard servings (U.K. units) of alcohol. Therefore, self‐report measures may be improved if the presence of ice is considered.
Reconsidering Women's Role in the Professionalisation of the Economy: Evidence from the Australian Census 1881–1947
Authors: Forsyth Hannah
Published: April 2018

Scholarly histories of the professions have generally ignored the role of women in most professional work. This article uses data from the Australian Census to analyse patterns as the professions grew to occupy a significant portion of the labour force. The article discusses the strengths and limitations of the Census, especially for women. It finds a relatively high proportion of women professionals as a percentage of the female labour force throughout the period. Much of the professional work done by women was derived from social, household‐based work. This suggests a need to reconsider the role of women in the professionalisation of the wider economy.
Genotype–phenotype relationship and risk stratification in loss‐of‐function SCN5A mutation carriers
Authors: Robyns Tomas , Nuyens Dieter , Vandenberk Bert , Kuiperi Cuno , Corveleyn Anniek , Breckpot Jeroen , Garweg Christophe , Ector Joris , Willems Rik
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Loss‐of‐function (LoF) mutations in the SCN5A gene cause multiple phenotypes including Brugada Syndrome (BrS) and a diffuse cardiac conduction defect. Markers of increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in LoF SCN5A mutation carriers are ill defined. We hypothesized that late potentials and fragmented QRS would be more prevalent in SCN5A mutation carriers compared to SCN5A‐negative BrS patients and evaluated risk markers for SCD in SCN5A mutation carriers.

Methods

We included all SCN5A loss‐of‐function mutation carriers and SCN5A‐negative BrS patients from our center. A combined arrhythmic endpoint was defined as appropriate ICD shock or SCD.

Results

Late potentials were more prevalent in 79 SCN5A mutation carriers compared to 39 SCN5A‐negative BrS patients (66% versus 44%, p = .021), while there was no difference in the prevalence of fragmented QRS. PR interval prolongation was the only parameter that predicted the presence of a SCN5A mutation in BrS (OR 1.08; p < .001). Four SCN5A mutation carriers, of whom three did not have a diagnostic type 1 ECG either spontaneously or after provocation with a sodium channel blocker, reached the combined arrhythmic endpoint during a follow‐up of 44 ± 52 months resulting in an annual incidence rate of 1.37%.

Conclusion

LP were more frequently observed in SCN5A mutation carriers, while fQRS was not. In SCN5A mutation carriers, the annual incidence rate of SCD was non‐negligible, even in the absence of a spontaneous or induced type 1 ECG. Therefore, proper follow‐up of SCN5A mutation carriers without Brugada syndrome phenotype is warranted.
Effect of humic acids on intestinal viscosity, leaky gut and ammonia excretion in a 24 hr feed restriction model to induce intestinal permeability in broiler chickens
Authors: Maguey‐Gonzalez Jesús A. , Michel Matias A. , Baxter Mikayla F.A. , Tellez Guillermo , Moore Philip A. , Solis‐Cruz Bruno , Hernández‐Patlan Daniel , Merino‐Guzman Rubén , Hernandez‐Velasco Xochitl , Latorre Juan D. , Hargis Billy M. , Gomez‐Rosales Sergio , Tellez‐Isaias Guillermo
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of humic acids (HA) on intestinal viscosity, leaky gut and ammonia excretion in a 24 hr feed restriction (FR) model to induce intestinal permeability in chickens. One‐day‐old male Cobb‐Vantress broilers were randomly allocated to one of two groups (n = 25 chickens), with or without 0.2% of isolated HA from worm‐compost, and placed in brooder batteries. Chicks had ad libitum access to water and feed for 14 days. Intestinal permeability was induced by 24 hr FR starting at 14 days. At 15 days of age, chickens in both groups were given an appropriate dose of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC‐d) by oral gavage. Intestine and liver samples were also collected to evaluate viscosity and bacterial translocation (BT), respectively. An increase (p < .05) in intestinal viscosity was observed in the experimental group consuming 0.2% of HA and was confirmed in a published in vitro digestion model that simulates the chemical and physical conditions of the crop, proventriculus and intestine of chickens. Furthermore, the treated group also showed a significant reduction in FITC‐d, liver BT and ammonia in the manure. These results suggest that HA have a positive impact in intestinal integrity in chickens.
Phenotypic and functional analysis of bovine peripheral blood dendritic cells before parturition by a novel purification method
Authors: Zhuang Tao , Urakawa Megumi , Sato Hidetoshi , Sato Yuko , Taguchi Teruaki , Umino Tsuyoshi , Katto Shiro , Tanaka Koutaro , Yoshimura Kozue , Takada Naokazu , Kobayashi Hiroko , Ito Megumi , Rose Michael T. , Kiku Yoshio , Nagasawa Yuya , Kitazawa Haruki , Watanabe Kouichi , Nochi Tomonori , Hayashi Tomohito , Aso Hisashi
Published: April 2018

Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen presenting cells specializing in antigen uptake and processing, and play an important role in the innate and adaptive immune response. A subset of bovine peripheral blood DCs was identified as CD172a+/CD11c+/MHC (major histocompatibility complex) class II+ cells. Although DCs are identified at 0.1%–0.7% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), the phenotype and function of DCs remain poorly understood with regard to maintaining tolerance during the pregnancy. All cattle used in this study were 1 month before parturition. We have established a novel method for the purification of DCs from PBMC using magnetic‐activated cell sorting, and purified the CD172a+/CD11c+ DCs, with high expression of MHC class II and CD40, at 84.8% purity. There were individual differences in the expressions of CD205 and co‐stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 on DCs. There were positive correlations between expression of cytokine and co‐stimulatory molecules in DCs, and the DCs maintained their immune tolerance, evidenced by their low expressions of the co‐stimulatory molecules and cytokine production. These results suggest that before parturition a half of DCs may be immature and tend to maintain tolerance based on the low cytokine production, and the other DCs with high co‐stimulatory molecules may already have the ability of modulating the T‐cell linage.
Pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of OBE022, a selective prostaglandin F2α receptor antagonist tocolytic: A first‐in‐human trial in healthy postmenopausal women
Authors: Pohl Oliver , Marchand Line , Gotteland Jean‐Pierre , Coates Simon , Täubel Jörg , Lorch Ulrike
Published: April 2018

Aims

Preterm birth remains a significant risk for later disability. The selective inhibition of the prostaglandin F2α receptor has significant advantages for a tocolytic. The prodrug OBE022 and its metabolite OBE002 are novel prostaglandin F2α receptor antagonists under development for treating preterm labour.

Methods

We performed a prospective, first in human, Phase I, dose escalation, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial at a clinical trial site in the UK. Placebo, single ascending doses of 10, 30, 100, 300, 1000 or 1300 mg, and multiple ascending doses over 7 days of 100, 300 or 1000 mg day–1; were administered to postmenopausal female volunteers. Food interaction was additionally evaluated.

Results

Subjects tolerated OBE022 well at all single and multiple doses. No clinically relevant changes in safety parameters were shown and there were no serious adverse events. Observations showed that prodrug OBE022 was readily absorbed and rapidly converted into its equally active stable metabolite OBE002. The plasma level of OBE002 rose with increasing doses, reaching exposure levels that were anticipated to be clinically relevant within 1 h following administration. There was no clinically significant food interaction, with peak exposures reduced to 80% and area under the curve staying bioequivalent. The mean half‐life of OBE002 ranged between 8 and 11 h following administration of a single dose and 22–29 h after multiple doses.

Conclusions

Administration of OBE022 was safe and had favourable pharmacokinetic characteristics and no clinically relevant interaction with food. Our results allow further investigation of OBE022 in preterm labour patients.
Confucian ethics, moral foundations, and shareholder value perspectives: An exploratory study
Authors: Wang Xingyuan , Li Fuan , Sun Qin
Published: April 2018

A survey study was conducted to look into the effect of Confucian ethics and the psychological foundations of morality on business managers' perspectives on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Using responses from 393 Chinese managers, we first conducted confirmatory factor analysis to assess the reliability and validity of the measurement model and then employed hierarchical regression to explore the relationships among Confucian ethics, moral foundations, and managers' shareholder value perspectives. The results indicate that both Confucian ethics and managers' moral foundations had significant influence on shareholder value perspectives. In fact, moral foundations and Confucian ethics interacted and jointly affected managers' positions on the shareholder value model of corporate responsibility. This study demonstrates the importance of psychological foundations of morality to managers' CSR orientations and substantiates the persistent impact of Confucian ethics/cultural traditions on today' business practices.
Reexamining the Verbal Environments of Children From Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds
Authors: Sperry Douglas E. , Sperry Linda L. , Miller Peggy J.
Published: April 2018

Amid growing controversy about the oft‐cited “30‐million‐word gap,” this investigation uses language data from five American communities across the socioeconomic spectrum to test, for the first time, Hart and Risley's (1995) claim that poor children hear 30 million fewer words than their middle‐class counterparts during the early years of life. The five studies combined ethnographic fieldwork with longitudinal home observations of 42 children (18–48 months) interacting with family members in everyday life contexts. Results do not support Hart and Risley's claim, reveal substantial variation in vocabulary environments within each socioeconomic stratum, and suggest that definitions of verbal environments that exclude multiple caregivers and bystander talk disproportionately underestimate the number of words to which low‐income children are exposed.
The development of fast‐mapping and novel word retention strategies in monolingual and bilingual infants
Authors: Kalashnikova Marina , Escudero Paola , Kidd Evan
Published: April 2018

The mutual exclusivity (ME) assumption is proposed to facilitate early word learning by guiding infants to map novel words to novel referents. This study assessed the emergence and use of ME to both disambiguate and retain the meanings of novel words across development in 18‐month‐old monolingual and bilingual children (Experiment 1; N = 58), and in a sub‐group of these children again at 24 months of age (Experiment 2: N = 32). Both monolinguals and bilinguals employed ME to select the referent of a novel label to a similar extent at 18 and 24 months. At 18 months, there were also no differences in novel word retention between the two language‐background groups. However, at 24 months, only monolinguals showed the ability to retain these label–object mappings. These findings indicate that the development of the ME assumption as a reliable word‐learning strategy is shaped by children's individual language exposure and experience with language use.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor expression in the human eye
Authors: Hebsgaard Josephine B. , Pyke Charles , Yildirim Emre , Knudsen Lotte B. , Heegaard Steffen , Kvist Peter H.
Published: April 2018

Semaglutide is a human glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogue that is in development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In the pre‐approval cardiovascular outcomes trial SUSTAIN 6, semaglutide was associated with a significant increase in the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR) complications vs placebo. GLP‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) expression has previously been demonstrated in the retina in animals and humans; however, antibodies used to detect expression have been documented to be non‐specific and fail to detect the GLP‐1R using immunohistochemistry (IHC), a problem common for many G‐protein coupled receptors. Using a validated GLP‐1R antibody for IHC and in situ hybridization for GLP‐1R mRNA in normal human eyes, GLP‐1Rs were detected in a small fraction of neurons in the ganglion cell layer. In advanced stages of DR, GLP‐1R expression was not detected at the protein or mRNA level. Specifically, no GLP‐1R expression was found in the eyes of people with long‐standing proliferative DR (PDR). In conclusion, GLP‐1R expression is low in normal human eyes and was not detected in eyes exhibiting advanced stages of PDR.
Externalizing depression symptoms among Canadian males with recent suicidal ideation: A focus on young men
Authors: Rice Simon M. , Kealy David , Oliffe John L. , Ogrodniczuk John S.
Published: April 2018

Aim

The primary aim was to quantify, relative to older men, young men's externalizing of depression symptoms and past‐month suicidal ideation.

Methods

A non‐probability national sample of 1000 Canadian men self‐reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms of depression and past‐month suicidal ideation. Stratification quotas reflected Canadian census data to age and region.

Results

Young men (18‐25 years) were at markedly higher risk of past‐month suicidal ideation than were older men. When controlling for internalizing depression, a multivariate age × recent suicidal ideation interaction indicated higher externalizing of depression symptoms in young men relative to older men, especially for those reporting recent suicidal ideation (P < .001). Interactions were observed for drug use, anger and aggression, and risk‐taking domains. A sizable proportion of younger men were uniquely identified by the MDRS‐22.

Conclusions

Screening tools that include assessment of externalizing symptoms may assist in improving detection of distress and suicide risk in young men.
Measures of effective population size in sea otters reveal special considerations for wide‐ranging species
Authors: Gagne Roderick B. , Tinker M. Timothy , Gustafson Kyle D. , Ralls Katherine , Larson Shawn , Tarjan L. Max , Miller Melissa A. , Ernest Holly B.
Published: April 2018

Conservation genetic techniques and considerations of the evolutionary potential of a species are increasingly being applied to species conservation. For example, effective population size (Ne) estimates are useful for determining the conservation status of species, yet accurate estimates of current Ne remain difficult to obtain. The effective population size can contribute to setting federal delisting criteria, as was done for the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). After being hunted to near extinction during the North Pacific fur trade, the southern sea otter has recovered over part of its former range, but remains at relatively low numbers, making it desirable to obtain accurate and consistent estimates of Ne. Although theoretical papers have compared the validity of several methods, comparisons of estimators using empirical data in applied conservation settings are limited. We combined thirteen years of demographic and genetic data from 1,006 sea otters to assess multiple Ne estimators, as well as temporal trends in genetic diversity and population genetic structure. Genetic diversity was low and did not increase over time. There was no evidence for distinct genetic units, but some evidence for genetic isolation by distance. In particular, estimates of Ne based on demographic data were much larger than genetic estimates when computed for the entire range of the population, but were similar at smaller spatial scales. The discrepancy between estimates at large spatial scales could be driven by cryptic population structure and/or individual differences in reproductive success. We recommend the development of new delisting criteria for the southern sea otter. We advise the use of multiple estimates of Ne for other wide‐ranging species, species with overlapping generations, or with sex‐biased dispersal, as well as the development of improved metrics of genetic assessments of populations.
Celebrating Joan Acker: Sociologist, fearless feminist, friend
Authors: Martin Patricia Yancey
Published: April 2018

Joan Acker's life reflects a time when middle‐class women were expected to be satisfied with maintaining the home front, serving husbands and children, not having paid‐work careers. After living “the ideal” for 37 years, Acker took a new path by earning a Ph. D. and producing path‐breaking scholarship that challenged taken‐for‐granted beliefs about gender, family, work, and organizations. Acker spoke “truth to power” and was an academic heroine in posing feminist challenges to injustices involving gender, social class, and race/ethnicity, particularly (but not solely) related to the workplace. This overview lets Joan tell her story and offers reflections on her milestone publications as seen by Pat Martin.
From manstream measuring to multispecies sustainability? A gendered reading of bee‐ing sustainable
Authors: Davies Olivia , Riach Kathleen
Published: April 2018

This article draws on an ethnography of bee‐work to explore how androcentrism is enacted and disrupted in environmental organizing practices. We first situate the study in recent debates surrounding sustainability, viewing this as one organizing project that informs the recent ‘Save the Bees’ discourse and initiatives proliferating the global North. Theoretically inspired by ideas from political ecology and feminist materialism, we suggest that dominant ‘bee‐saving’ practices are enacted through masculinist conceptions of ‘manstream’ measuring. Focusing on biosecurity inspections during one significant pollination event, we draw on three motifs to explore both the enactment and disruption of sanitized, linear and falsely bounded distinctions that often re/produce practices which have outcomes counter to their intended objectives. Reflecting on three field‐based moments — Pests, Protection and Pace — we consider the possibilities for an alternative modality of multispecies sustainability that is inspired by a new materialism agenda. This not only serves to dismantle inherent binaries through paying attention to the ontological muddling of species, but also helps to consider the productive relations that may emerge when we depart from masculinist modes of sustainable thinking in organizational and institutional settings.
Peritumoral granulomatous reaction in endometrial carcinoma: association with DNA mismatch repair protein deficiency, particularly loss of PMS2 expression
Authors: Stewart Colin J R , Pearn Amy , Pachter Nicholas , Tan Adeline
Published: April 2018

Aims

The observation of peritumoral granulomatous reactions (PGRs) in two endometrial carcinomas (ECs) with a PMS2‐deficient/MLH1‐intact expression pattern led us to investigate whether PGRs in EC were specifically associated with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) protein deficiency, particularly PMS2 loss.

Methods and results

Hysterectomy specimens from 22 MMR protein‐intact and 54 MMR protein‐deficient ECs were reviewed with specific attention to the presence of a PGR and a tumour‐associated lymphoid reaction [including tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and stromal lymphoid infiltrates]. The MMR protein‐deficient ECs included 22 cases with combined MLH1/PMS2 loss, 11 with combined MSH2/MSH6 loss, 11 with isolated MSH6 loss, and 10 with PMS2 loss but intact MLH1 staining (including the two ‘index’ cases). Overall, PGRs were identified in seven of 54 (13%) MMR protein‐deficient ECs, five of which showed a PMS2‐deficient/MLH1‐intact immunophenotype; three of these patients had germline PMS2 mutations and one additional patient had a germline MSH6 mutation. None of the MMR protein‐intact tumours showed a PGR. Although five of the seven PGR‐positive ECs had a high‐grade histological component, six were stage I. Most ECs with PGRs also showed TILs and stromal lymphoid reactions, similarly to MMR protein‐deficient ECs in general.

Conclusions

MMR protein‐deficient ECs, particularly those with PMS2 loss, occasionally show PGRs in addition to stromal lymphoid infiltrates and TILs. Therefore, PGRs could be considered to constitute a histological prompt for consideration of Lynch syndrome. The potential prognostic significance of PGRs in EC requires further study.
Adult periodontitis treated with a new device for subgingival lavage—a randomized controlled clinical trial using a split‐mouth design
Authors: Van Dijk L. J. , Lie M. A. , Van den Heuvel E. R. , Van der Weijden G. A.
Published: April 2018

Objectives

To evaluate in patients with untreated adult periodontitis, the effect of treatment with a novel pocket irrigator/evacuator device (IED) compared to conventional subgingival debridement (CPT), both provided during the initial phase of active periodontal therapy.

Methods

This study was an examiner‐blind, randomized controlled clinical trial using a split‐mouth design. Systemically healthy patients with adult periodontitis were selected. Full‐mouth probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival bleeding on pocket probing scores (BOPP), gingival recession (REC) and dental plaque (PI) were assessed at baseline. All participants received oral hygiene instructions and supragingival prophylaxis including polishing. In 2 randomly assigned contra‐lateral quadrants, approximal sites were irrigated with the IED, whereas in the other quadrants, CPT was provided. The CPT consisted of subgingival debridement using ultrasonic devices followed by the use of hand instruments. At 3 months post‐treatment, the clinical parameters were re‐assessed.

Results

Twenty‐five patients met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate. At 3 months post‐treatment, the PPD and BOPP had significantly improved for both treatment modalities. Pockets of ≥5 mm reduced by 0.64 mm in the IED group (P < .001), compared to a reduction of 0.82 mm for the CPT group (P < .001). With respect to the primary outcome parameter (PPD) and BI, the results with the IED were less pronounced. Between the test and control groups, no significant differences were observed for REC and PI.

Conclusions

Oral hygiene instructions, supragingival prophylaxis and subgingival lavage with the IED resulted in a significant reduction in PPD and BOPP. However, the effect does not reach the results of CPT which included the subgingival use of ultrasonic and hand instruments.
Solving the edge‐disjoint paths problem using a two‐stage method
Authors: Martín Bernardo , Sánchez Ángel , Beltran‐Royo Cesar , Duarte Abraham
Published: April 2018

There exists a wide variety of network problems where several connection requests occur simultaneously. In general, each request is attended by finding a route in the network, where the origin and destination of such a route are those hosts that wish to establish a connection for information exchange. As is well documented in the related literature, the exchange of information through disjoint routes increases the effective bandwidth, velocity, and the probability of receiving the corresponding information. The definition of disjoint paths may refer to nodes, edges, or both. One of the most studied variants is the one where disjointness implies not to share edges. This optimization problem is usually known as the maximum edge‐disjoint paths problem. This ‐hard optimization problem has applications in real‐time communications, very large scale integration design, scheduling, bin packing, or load balancing. The proposed approach hybridizes an integer linear programming formulation of the problem with an evolutionary algorithm. Empirical results using 174 previously reported instances show that the proposed procedure compares favorably to previous metaheuristics for this problem. We confirm the significance of the results by conducting nonparametric statistical tests.
Identification of sarcomeric variants in probands with a clinical diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
Authors: Murray Brittney , Hoorntje Edgar T. , te Riele Anneline S. J. M. , Tichnell Crystal , van der Heijden Jeroen F. , Tandri Harikrishna , van den Berg Maarten P. , Jongbloed Jan D. H. , Wilde Arthur A. M. , Hauer Richard N. W. , Calkins Hugh , Judge Daniel P. , James Cynthia A. , van Tintelen J. Peter , Dooijes Dennis
Published: April 2018

Aims

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death. Currently 60% of patients meeting Task Force Criteria (TFC) have an identifiable mutation in one of the desmosomal genes. As much overlap is described between other cardiomyopathies and ARVC, we examined the prevalence of rare, possibly pathogenic sarcomere variants in the ARVC population.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐seven (137) individuals meeting 2010 TFC for a diagnosis of ARVC, negative for pathogenic desmosomal variants, TMEM43, SCN5A, and PLN were screened for variants in the sarcomere genes (ACTC1, MYBPC3, MYH7, MYL2, MYL3, TNNC1, TNNI3, TNNT2, and TPM1) through either clinical or research genetic testing.

Results

Six probands (6/137, 4%) were found to carry rare variants in the sarcomere genes. These variants have low prevalence in controls, are predicted damaging by Polyphen‐2, and some of the variants are known pathogenic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutations. Sarcomere variant carriers had a phenotype that did not differ significantly from desmosomal mutation carriers. As most of these probands were the only affected individuals in their families, however, segregation data are noninformative.

Conclusion

These data show variants in the sarcomere can be identified in individuals with an ARVC phenotype. Although rare and predicted damaging, proven functional and segregational evidence that these variants can cause ARVC is lacking. Therefore, caution is warranted in interpreting these variants when identified on large next‐generation sequencing panels for cardiomyopathies.
Pooled diagnostic accuracy of resting distal to aortic coronary pressure referenced to fractional flow reserve: The importance of resting coronary physiology
Authors: Maini Rohit , Moscona John , Sidhu Gursukhman , Katigbak Paul , Fernandez Camilo , Irimpen Anand , Mogabgab Owen , Ward Charisse , Samson Rohan , LeJemtel Thierry
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Both resting and hyperemic physiologic methods to guide coronary revascularization improve cardiovascular outcomes compared with angiographic guidance alone. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) remains underutilized due to concerns regarding hyperemia, prompting study of resting distal to aortic coronary pressure (Pd/Pa). Pd/Pa is a vasodilator‐free resting index unlike FFR. While Pd/Pa is similar to another resting index, instantaneous wave‐free ratio (iFR), it is a whole‐cycle measurement not limited to the wave‐free diastolic period. Pd/Pa is not validated clinically although multiple accuracy studies have been performed. Our meta‐analysis examines the overall diagnostic accuracy of Pd/Pa referenced to FFR, the accepted invasive standard of ischemia.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Central, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases for full text articles published through August 9, 2017 addressing the diagnostic accuracy of Pd/Pa referenced to FFR < 0.80. The following keywords were used: “distal coronary artery pressure” OR “Pd/Pa” AND “fractional flow reserve” OR “FFR.”

Results

In total, 14 studies comprising 7004 lesions were identified. Pooled diagnostic accuracy estimates of Pd/Pa versus FFR < 0.80 were: sensitivity, 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75‐0.78); specificity, 0.82 (0.81‐0.83); positive likelihood ratio, 4.7 (3.3‐6.6); negative likelihood ratio, 0.29 (0.24‐0.34); diagnostic odds ratio, 18.1 (14.4‐22.6); area under the summary receiver‐operating characteristic curve of 0.88; and diagnostic accuracy of 0.80 (0.76‐0.83).

Conclusions

Pd/Pa shows adequate agreement with FFR as a resting index of coronary stenosis severity without the undesired effects and cost of hyperemic agents. Pd/Pa has the potential to guide coronary revascularization with easier application and availability compared with iFR and FFR.
Congenital pleuroperitoneal hernia presenting as gastrothorax in five cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs
Authors: Rossanese M. , Pivetta M. , Pereira N. , Burrow R.
Published: April 2018

Five cavalier King Charles spaniels were examined for acute onset of respiratory distress. Thoracic radiographs demonstrated diaphragmatic hernia and tension gastrothorax, visible as a distended stomach occupying the left caudal thoracic cavity. Exploratory midline coeliotomy confirmed congenital pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia with herniation and dilatation of the stomach. The hernia configuration was consistent in all cases, with a defect affecting the left diaphragmatic crus. Congenital pleuroperitoneal diaphragmatic hernia is a rare condition caused by a defect in the dorsolateral diaphragm. Defects of the left crus of the diaphragm could result in the herniation of the stomach into the thoracic cavity with possible subsequent tension gastrothorax. Cavalier King Charles spaniels may have a predisposition to this condition. Tension gastrothorax is an acute life‐threatening consequence of gastric herniation through a diaphragmatic defect that must be promptly recognised and surgically treated.