bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Historical Gold Mounting Textile – Light Brown Brocade with Gold Wefts and Lotus Pattern
Authors: Chang Chang
Published: April 2016

The case study is carried out on a piece of gold brocade lined with handmade paper and used as mounting textile for historic Chinese paintings. This “light brown brocade with gold wefts and a lotus pattern” (specifically, a preserved sample of a precious ancient silk mounting textile taken from a piece of the deceased Master Chang Dai-Chien’s collection, and provided by Professor Sun Jia-Cin, Master Chang’s last disciple) is decorated with a gold lotus pattern against a background that is light brown in color. The ground warps and the gold patterns are interconnected in a structure of one warp and two wefts (light brown wefts and gold weft threads). The weave for the ground structure can be identified as a warp-faced 2/1 right twill with light brown warps and flossy light brown wefts. Flat strips of gold threads are applied as continuous supplementary wefts, and woven into the design in the mode of a 1/2 right twill weft backed weave. The ground weft is connected by warp to the gold weft in a 2:1 ratio called Ban-Yua. Based on an analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and a combustion method for textile fiber analysis, both the ground warp and the weft are made of silk. In addition, according to the result given by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), the primary material of the gilded weft is gold. The paper lining on the back of the gold strip is made of natural fibers, according to the result from a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an FTIR examination. Based on the shape of the lotus motif, it is estimated that this gold brocade dates back to the Ming Dynasty period.
Manufacture of Folded and Twisted Paper Yarn
Authors: Chummun Jaykumar , Rosunee Satyadev
Published: April 2016

The tourist sector in Mauritius is aiming at welcoming 2 million tourists by the year 2015 and coming up with creative ideas and products branded with ‘Made in Mauritius’ to boost the country’s craft sector. This project looks into the manufacture of paper-yarn. Different types of paper were cut into ribbons of varying widths and converted into yarn by two methods: twisting and folding. The folds were made along the axis of a ribbon while twisting required prior moistening and was carried out on a modified yarn-twist measuring device. The relationship between the number of folds/twists and the strength of the resulting paper yarn was investigated. Yarn of high quality can be obtained by twisting ribbons of relatively smaller widths or folding relatively wider ribbons. The yarn can be used for manufacturing craft products.
Embellishment of Fashion Design via Laser Engraving
Authors: Yuan Guoxiang , Jiang Shouxiang , Newton Edward , Fan Jintu , Au Waiman
Published: April 2016

In today’s fashion world, technology has taken on an important role for the creation of novel design effects. As a type of digital technology, laser engraving is applied for decorative purposes with unique fashion design looks. With this technology, simple and complex patterns can be engraved onto the surface of garments by using laser beam scanning. This study explores the application of laser technology on assembled garments for diverse engraved patterns. To improve the visual appearance, different design methods, such as the graphic and resist methods, are applied for carbon dioxide (CO2) laser engraving onto garments made from rayon/polyester blended fabric with optimal laser engraving parameters, including resolution (dpi) and pixel time (μs). This study also reveals the many potential of fashion designs through the use of laser engraving technology. Based on computer-aided design, laser engraving could open up new possibilities for green fashion design with distinct patterns and textures that would cater to the demands of industries and consumers.
Digital Textiles: An Investigation into Technology Utilisation, Teaching and Significance of Educator Creative Practice
Authors: Britt Helena
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the utilisation of digital design and output technologies from the textile educator perspective. Educator approaches to working with digital technologies in own creative practices are described, as are variations in involvement with teaching digital technologies. Connections between educator approaches to digital technology utilisation in creative and teaching practices are highlighted. The impact of educator engagement in creative practice is discussed, given the continually evolving nature of digital technology and factors existent in the contemporary higher education system, which can be counterproductive to educator creative practice. Conclusions are made with regards to different approaches to digital technology utilisation and significance of educator engagement in creative practice activity. The methodology used to undertake the research disseminated through this paper include self case study, survey and case study methods. The paper focuses on textile design higher education in the United Kingdom, printed textiles and surface pattern design; however, the content is intended to be insightful to others who are operating outside of this context.
Effectiveness and safety profile of 40% trichloroacetic acid and cryotherapy for plantar warts
Authors: Cengiz Fatma Pelin , Emiroglu Nazan , Su Ozlem , Onsun Nahide
Published: April 2016

Plantar warts are one of the most common infectious skin disease caused by the human papillomavirus. In this study, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen delivered by the physician, up to four treatments 2 weeks apart. Forty percent trichloroacetic acid (TCA) was applied to warts weekly up to four treatments. At the end of 4 weeks, the clinical improvement of the TCA group (n = 30) was six patients (20%) with no change, one patient (3.3%) with a mild response, 13 patients (43.3%) with a moderate response and 10 patients (33.3%) with a good response. In the cryotherapy group, clinical responses were 12 patients (40%) with no change, four patients (13.3%) with a mild response, 12 patients (40%) with a moderate response and two patients (6.7%) with a good response. There was a statistically significant difference in improvement between the two treatment groups (P = 0.027). According to our results, TCA 40% is more effective for clearance of plantar warts with significantly improved long‐term safety profile.
Infection of J774A.1 with different Mycobacterium species induces differential immune and miRNA‐related responses
Authors: Elizabeth Mendoza‐Coronel , Hernández de la Cruz Olga Nohemí , Mauricio Castañón‐Arreola
Published: April 2016

Macrophages act as a reservoir for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, producing latent infection in approximately 90% of infected people. In this study, J774A.1 mouse macrophage cell line response and microRNA (miRNA) expression during infection with the most relevant mycobacterial strains for humans (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis and M. bovis BCG) was explored. No significant differences in bacillary loads were observed between activate and naive macrophages infected with M. tuberculosis and M. bovis. Nitrite production inhibition and infection control were in accordance with the virulence of the strain. Expression of let‐7e, miR‐21, miR‐155, miR‐210 and miR‐223 was opposite in the two species and miR‐146b* and miR‐1224 expression seemed to be part of the general response to infection.
A common framework for identifying linkage rules across different types of interactions
Authors: Bartomeus Ignasi , Gravel Dominique , Tylianakis Jason M. , Aizen Marcelo A. , Dickie Ian A. , Bernard‐Verdier Maud
Published: April 2016

Species interactions, ranging from antagonisms to mutualisms, form the architecture of biodiversity and determine ecosystem functioning. Understanding the rules responsible for who interacts with whom, as well as the functional consequences of these interspecific interactions, is central to predict community dynamics and stability.

Species traits sensu lato may affect different ecological processes by determining species interactions through a two‐step process. First, ecological and life‐history traits govern species distributions and abundance, and hence determine species co‐occurrence and the potential for species to interact. Secondly, morphological or physiological traits between co‐occurring potential interaction partners should match for the realization of an interaction. Here, we review recent advances on predicting interactions from species co‐occurrence and develop a probabilistic model for inferring trait matching.

The models proposed here integrate both neutral and trait‐matching constraints, while using only information about known interactions, thereby overcoming problems originating from undersampling of rare interactions (i.e. missing links). They can easily accommodate qualitative or quantitative data and can incorporate trait variation within species, such as values that vary along developmental stages or environmental gradients.

We use three case studies to show that the proposed models can detect strong trait matching (e.g. predator–prey system), relaxed trait matching (e.g. herbivore–plant system) and barrier trait matching (e.g. plant–pollinator systems).

Only by elucidating which species traits are important in each process (i.e. in determining interaction establishment and frequency), we can advance in explaining how species interact and the consequences of these interactions for ecosystem functioning.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Energy expenditure of adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) at their foraging grounds and during simulated oceanic migration
Authors: Enstipp Manfred R. , Ballorain Katia , Ciccione Stéphane , Narazaki Tomoko , Sato Katsufumi , Georges Jean‐Yves
Published: April 2016

Measuring the energy requirements of animals under natural conditions and determining how acquired energy is allocated to specific activities is a central theme in ecophysiology.

Turtle reproductive output is fundamentally linked with their energy balance so a detailed understanding of marine turtle energy requirements during the different phases of their life cycle at sea is essential for their conservation.

We used the non‐invasive accelerometry technique to investigate the activity patterns and energy expenditure (EE) of adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) foraging year‐round at a seagrass meadow in Mayotte (n = 13) and during simulated oceanic migration (displacement from the nesting beach) off Mohéli (n = 1), in the south‐western Indian Ocean.

At the foraging site, turtles divided their days between foraging benthically on the shallow seagrass meadow during daylight hours and resting at greater depth on the inner side of the reef slope at night. Estimated oxygen consumption rates (s) and daily energy expenditures (DEE) at the foraging site were low (s during the day was 1·6 and 1·9 times the respective resting rate at night during the austral summer and winter, respectively), which is consistent with the requirement to build up substantial energy reserves at the foraging site, to sustain the energy‐demanding breeding migration and reproduction.

Dive duration (but not dive depth) at the foraging site shifted significantly with season (dive duration increased with declining water temperatures, Tw), while overall activity levels remained unchanged. In parallel with a significant seasonal decline in Tw (from 28·9 ± 0·1 °C to 25·3 ± 0·4 °C), there was a moderate (˜19%) but significant decline in DEE of turtles during the austral winter (901 ± 111 kJ day−1), when compared with the austral summer (1117 ± 66 kJ day−1).

By contrast, the turtle moved continuously during simulated oceanic migration, conducting short/shallow dives in the day, which (predominately at night) were interspersed with longer and deeper ‘pelagic’ dives. Estimated oxygen consumption rates during a simulated migration (1·25 ± 0·16 mL O2 min−1 kg−0·83) were found to be significantly increased over the foraging condition, equal to ˜3 times the resting rate at night (0·42 ± 0·02 mL O2 min−1 kg−0·83), and daily energy expenditure amounted to 2327 ± 292 kJ day−1, underlining the tremendous energetic effort associated with breeding migration.

Our study indicates that the accelerometry technique provides a new and promising opportunity to study marine turtle energy relations in great detail and under natural conditions.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Host and parasite thermal acclimation responses depend on the stage of infection
Authors: Altman Karie A. , Paull Sara H. , Johnson Pieter T. J. , Golembieski Michelle N. , Stephens Jeffrey P. , LaFonte Bryan E. , Raffel Thomas R.
Published: April 2016

Global climate change is expected to alter patterns of temperature variability, which could influence species interactions including parasitism. Species interactions can be difficult to predict in variable‐temperature environments because of thermal acclimation responses, i.e. physiological changes that allow organisms to adjust to a new temperature following a temperature shift.

The goal of this study was to determine how thermal acclimation influences host resistance to infection and to test for parasite acclimation responses, which might differ from host responses in important ways.

We tested predictions of three, non‐mutually exclusive hypotheses regarding thermal acclimation effects on infection of green frog tadpoles (Lithobates clamitans) by the trematode parasite Ribeiroia ondatrae with fully replicated controlled‐temperature experiments. Trematodes or tadpoles were independently acclimated to a range of ‘acclimation temperatures’ prior to shifting them to new ‘performance temperatures’ for experimental infections.

Trematodes that were acclimated to intermediate temperatures (19–22 °C) had greater encystment success across temperatures than either cold‐ or warm‐acclimated trematodes. However, host acclimation responses varied depending on the stage of infection (encystment vs. clearance): warm‐ (22–28 °C) and cold‐acclimated (13–19 °C) tadpoles had fewer parasites encyst at warm and cold performance temperatures, respectively, whereas intermediate‐acclimated tadpoles (19–25 °C) cleared the greatest proportion of parasites in the week following exposure.

These results suggest that tadpoles use different immune mechanisms to resist different stages of trematode infection, and that each set of mechanisms has unique responses to temperature variability. Our results highlight the importance of considering thermal responses of both parasites and hosts when predicting disease patterns in variable‐temperature environments.
Analytical Characterization of Erythritol Tetranitrate, an Improvised Explosive
Authors: Matyáš Robert , Lyčka Antonín , Jirásko Robert , Jakový Zdeněk , Maixner Jaroslav , Mišková Linda , Künzel Martin
Published: April 2016

Erythritol tetranitrate (ETN), an ester of nitric acid and erythritol, is a solid crystalline explosive with high explosive performance. Although it has never been used in any industrial or military application, it has become one of the most prepared and misused improvise explosives. In this study, several analytical techniques were explored to facilitate analysis in forensic laboratories. FTIR and Raman spectrometry measurements expand existing data and bring more detailed assignment of bands through the parallel study of erythritol [15N4] tetranitrate. In the case of powder diffraction, recently published data were verified, and 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectra are discussed in detail. The technique of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was successfully used for the analysis of ETN. Described methods allow fast, versatile, and reliable detection or analysis of samples containing erythritol tetranitrate in forensic laboratories.
Intergenerational and intercultural civic learning through storied child‐led walks of Chiang Mai
Authors: Phillips Louise Gwenneth , Tossa Wajuppa
Published: April 2016

Recent times have witnessed global trends of increased protection of children in public spaces. The participatory arts project The Walking Neighbourhood hosted by Children renegotiates child agency in public spaces by inviting primary school aged children to curate and lead adult audiences on walks of local neighbourhoods. Multiple cities across Australia, Asia, and Europe have hosted The Walking Neighbourhood since 2012. This article focuses on one aspect of that initiative: the Australian‐Thai research collaboration for the Chiang Mai child‐hosted walks. Through storytelling, the Australian and Thai authors share their sensorial ethnographic encounters of two child‐led walks in Chiang Mai to provide lived sensorial affective accounts of children's perceptions and engagement with public spaces. These stories demonstrate how the project provides education for children's independently mobile engagement with their neighbourhoods and public spaces, in that the children competently managed responsibility for their adult audiences, and embraced responsibility for sharing their emplaced connections with a neighbourhood locale. Through participatory arts practice, artists, child hosts, and adult audience members co‐construct and interpret exploratory walks of local neighbourhoods to enable enhanced independent mobilities for children, challenging the norms that assert controlled childhoods. Such interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and intercultural experiences can enable reconceptualisation of children and public spaces and new realities for civic engagement and learning for all. © 2016 Institute of Australian Geographers
Glycemic excursions are positively associated with HbA1c reduction from baseline after treatment with acarbose in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin monotherapy
Authors: Wang Jun‐Sing , Lee I‐Te , Lee Wen‐Jane , Lin Shi‐Dou , Su Shih‐Li , Tu Shih‐Te , Tseng Yao‐Hsien , Lin Shih‐Yi , Sheu Wayne Huey‐Herng
Published: April 2016

Background

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between glycemic excursions before treatment and HbA1c reduction after treatment intensification with acarbose or glibenclamide in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Patients receiving single or dual oral antidiabetic drug treatment with an HbA1c of 7.0–11.0 % (53–97 mmol/mol) were switched to metformin monotherapy (500 mg, t.i.d.) for 8 weeks, followed by randomization to either acarbose (100 mg, t.i.d.) or glibenclamide (5 mg, t.i.d.) as add‐on treatment for 16 weeks. Glycemic excursions were assessed as mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE) with 72‐h ambulatory continuous glucose monitoring. Treatment efficacy was evaluated as relative HbA1c reduction (%), calculated as (baseline HbA1c – post‐treatment HbA1c)/baseline HbA1c × 100.

Results

Fifty patients (mean [±SD] age 53.5 ± 8.2 years, 48 % men, mean baseline HbA1c 8.4 ± 1.2 %) were analyzed. Baseline MAGE was positively correlated with relative HbA1c reduction from baseline in patients treated with acarbose (r = 0.421, P = 0.029) but not glibenclamide (r = 0.052, P = 0.813). Linear regression analysis revealed that the association between baseline MAGE and relative HbA1c reduction from baseline (β = 0.125, P = 0.029) in patients treated with acarbose remained significant after adjustment for several confounders (P < 0.05 for all models).

Conclusions

In patients with T2D on metformin monotherapy, baseline MAGE was positively correlated with relative HbA1c reduction from baseline after treatment with acarbose, but not glibenclamide. These findings highlight the importance of glycemic excursions in individualized treatment for patients with T2D.
Feasibility and pitfalls ofex situmanagement to mitigate the effects of an environmentally persistent pathogen
Authors: Davy C. M. , Whitear A. K.
Published: April 2016

Ex situ(captive) management can facilitate species recovery, but this approach is invasive and is not universally appropriate. Evidence‐based approaches are critical to determining whetherex situapproaches will be effective, but in many cases biological and ecological data from threatened populations are scarce. We generated a structured set of general biological and social/logistical criteria required for captive management to benefit threatened, free‐ranging populations. We illustrate how these criteria can be applied using a case study where populations are severely threatened, but demographic data are scarce (white‐nose syndrome in Canadian bats). Using (1) population viability modelling (PVA), (2) a survey of Canadian zoos and wildlife rehabilitators, and (3) literature reviews, we identified two of our five initial target species as potential candidates for captive management.PVArevealed that sustainable captive colonies require high adult survivorship relative to free‐ranging populations. Our survey and literature reviews showed that Canadian zoos and wildlife rehabilitators are enthusiastic about bat conservation. However, none could currently maintain the target species, due to limited infrastructure and/or knowledge gaps related to husbandry and reintroduction of captive bats to the wild. Captive management is unlikely to stabilize target populations because released bats risk re‐infection. We conclude thatex situmanagement is not an appropriate tool in our case study, and would represent ineffective use of available conservation resources. However, development of captive husbandry and re‐introduction methods for hibernating, insectivorous bats would contribute to our global capacity to conserve similar species.
Intra‐ocular pressure fluctuation after cataract surgery in primary angle‐closure glaucoma eyes medically controlled after laser iridotomy
Authors: Özyol Pelin , Özyol Erhan , Sül Sabahattin , Baldemir Ercan , Çavdar Sabanur
Published: April 2016

Purpose

To analyse the effect of cataract surgery on diurnal intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation in primary angle‐closure glaucoma (PACG) eyes.

Methods

Thirty‐nine eyes of 24 patients with PACG scheduled for cataract surgery were enrolled to this prospective study. A record was made which included mean IOP measurement, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), number of antiglaucomatous medications, visual field analysis (mean deviation – MD and pattern standard deviation – PSD) and responses to the Glaucoma Quality of Life‐15 (GQL‐15) questionnaires. The eyes were re‐evaluated at 2 and 3 months of cataract surgery.

Results

IOP fluctuation was decreased from 4.58 ± 2.07 mmHg to 2.84 ± 1.5 mmHg (p < 0.001). The decrease in mean IOP, the number of glaucoma eye drops required (p < 0.001, p = 0.012, respectively) and the increase in mean ACD, ACA grading and SITA‐standard MD (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.01, respectively) were statistically significant. The mean GQL‐15 score was also improved (p < 0.001). The change in IOP fluctuation correlated positively with the preoperative IOP fluctuation (r = 0.56 p = 0.00), the change in ACD (r = 0.703, p < 0.001) and the change in ACA (r = 0.664, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, preoperative IOP fluctuation and postoperative increase in ACD were significantly associated with a reduction in IOP fluctuation of an average of 1.1 mmHg per unit change (p = 0.00 and p = 0.019, respectively).

Conclusions

Cataract surgery in PACG provides the opportunity to address many pathologies with one intervention; improving vision, diminishing IOP, blunting IOP fluctuation, reducing need for medications, eliminating a narrow angle and improving GQL‐15 scores.
Crosstalk between adipokines and myokines in fat browning
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Becerril S. , Ezquerro S. , Méndez‐Giménez L. , Frühbeck G.
Published: April 2016

Skeletal muscle is the largest organ determining whole‐body insulin sensitivity and metabolic homoeostasis. Adaptive changes of skeletal muscle in response to physical activity include adjustments in the production and secretion of muscle‐derived bioactive factors, known as myokines, such as myostatin, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐7 and IL‐15, myonectin, follistatin‐like 1 or leukaemia inhibitory factor. These myokines not only act locally in the muscle in an autocrine/paracrine manner, but also are released to the bloodstream as endocrine factors to regulate physiological processes in other tissues. Irisin, derived from the cleavage of FNDC5 protein, constitutes a myokine that induces myogenesis and fat browning (switch of white adipocytes to brown fat‐like cells) together with a concomitant increase in energy expenditure. Besides being a target for irisin actions, the adipose tissue also constitutes a production site of FNDC5. Interestingly, irisin secretion from subcutaneous and visceral fat depots is decreased by long‐term exercise training and fasting, suggesting a discordant regulation of FNDC5/irisin in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Accordingly, our group has recently reported that the adipokine leptin differentially regulates FNDC5/irisin expression in skeletal muscle and fat, confirming the crosstalk between both tissues. Moreover, irisin secretion and function are regulated by other myokines, such as follistatin or myostatin, as well as by other adipokines, including fibroblast growth factor 21 and leptin. Taken together, myokines have emerged as novel molecular mediators of fat browning and their activity can be modulated by adipokines, confirming the crosstalk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue to regulate thermogenesis and energy expenditure.
Adding Perspective: Predicting Adolescent Sunscreen Use with an Extended Health Action Process Approach
Authors: Schüz Natalie , Schüz Benjamin , Eid Michael
Published: April 2016

Background

Diseases such as skin cancer often have a very long latency period. For adolescents, especially, it may be difficult to grasp that current risk behavior is related to future health outcomes. This study examines the role of health‐related time perspective (i.e. the degree to which short‐term outcomes are discounted over long‐time health benefits) within the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). More specifically, based on expectancy*value theory, we tested whether time perspective interacts with self‐efficacy, the central variable in this approach.

Methods

A longitudinal study with three measurement points across one year assessed 156 high school students. Data were analyzed using structural equation models.

Results

While time perspective had no direct association with sunscreen use intentions, there was an interaction effect with self‐efficacy; the shorter the time perspective, the smaller the association of self‐efficacy with intention. Intention in turn predicted planning and sunscreen use at Time 3 (one year later).

Conclusions

In order to maximise the impact of early onset measures for skin cancer prevention targeting the motivation for sunscreen use in adolescents, time perspective should be addressed in comprehensive sun protection interventions.
Entrepreneurial Autonomy and its Dynamics
Authors: Gelderen Marco van
Published: April 2016

Founding and owning an independent business does not automatically provide the owner/founder with autonomy. Autonomy‐motivated entrepreneurs must often make an effort to achieve and maintain autonomy. The aim of this research is to investigate the experience of autonomy, its variations over time, and how it is affected by a range of internal and external conditions as well as the actions of the entrepreneur. The research design utilises a qualitative methodology, asking 61 business owner/founders to respond to a range of vignettes that depict autonomy‐related tensions. The results indicate that whether a business owner actively experiences autonomy is best assessed by not only asking for the degree of decisional freedom he or she currently enjoys, but also whether that degree of freedom is chosen voluntarily. Other main findings are that customers regularly represent challenges to autonomy, whereas business partners are often seen to enhance it. The results reveal various autonomy dynamics, showing movements between currently exercised, temporarily sacrificed, and involuntarily lost decisional freedoms. These movements are influenced by a range of factors, including the importance of particular customers or assignments, the phase in the business life cycle, and the financial performance of the business.
Oxcarbazepine‐induced liver injury after sensitization by valproic acid: a case report
Authors: Chait Mermelstein Alanna , Mermelstein Joseph , Adam Tarek , Brody Benjamin D , Dubin Marc J
Published: April 2016

Objective

The aim of the present case report is to describe a potential interaction between valproic acid and oxcarbazepine that resulted in hepatic injury.

Methods

We report the case of a 46‐year‐old man with schizoaffective disorder who was cross‐titrated from valproic acid to oxcarbazepine because of liver injury.

Results

Initiation of oxcarbazepine four days after stopping valproic acid produced a significant elevation in liver enzymes that normalized with oxcarbazepine discontinuation and did not reappear with its reintroduction five days later.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a longer washout period or another agent should be considered when transitioning from valproic acid to oxcarbazepine.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation for N-Mixture Models
Authors: Haines Linda M.
Published: April 2016

The focus of this article is on the nature of the likelihood associated with N-mixture models for repeated count data. It is shown that the infinite sum embedded in the likelihood associated with the Poisson mixing distribution can be expressed in terms of a hypergeometric function and, thence, in closed form. The resultant expression for the likelihood can be readily computed to a high degree of accuracy and is algebraically tractable. Specifically, the likelihood equations can be simplified to some advantage, the concentrated likelihood in the probability of detection formulated and problematic cases identified. The results are illustrated by means of a simulation study and a real world example. The study is extended to N-mixture models with a negative binomial mixing distribution and results similar to those for the Poisson case obtained. N-mixture models with mixing distributions which accommodate excess zeros and, separately, with a beta-binomial distribution rather than a binomial used to model the intra-site counts are also investigated. However the results for these settings, while computationally attractive, do not provide insight into the nature of the maximum likelihood estimates.
Longitudinal Associations Between the Quality of Mother–Infant Interactions and Brain Development Across Infancy
Authors: Bernier Annie , Calkins Susan D. , Bell Martha Ann
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate if normative variations in parenting relate to brain development among typically developing children. A sample of 352 mother–infant dyads came to the laboratory when infants were 5, 10, and 24 months of age (final N = 215). At each visit, child resting electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. Mother–infant interactions were videotaped at the 5‐month visit. The results indicated that higher quality maternal behavior during mother–infant interactions predicted higher frontal resting EEG power at 10 and 24 months, as well as increases in power between 5 and 10 months, and between 10 and 24 months. These findings provide rare support for the hypothesis that normative variation in parenting quality may contribute to brain development among typically developing infants.
Severe or life‐threatening asthma exacerbation: patient heterogeneity identified by cluster analysis
Authors: Sekiya K. , Nakatani E. , Fukutomi Y. , Kaneda H. , Iikura M. , Yoshida M. , Takahashi K. , Tomii K. , Nishikawa M. , Kaneko N. , Sugino Y. , Shinkai M. , Ueda T. , Tanikawa Y. , Shirai T. , Hirabayashi M. , Aoki T. , Kato T. , Iizuka K. , Homma S. , Taniguchi M. , Tanaka H.
Published: April 2016

Background

Severe or life‐threatening asthma exacerbation is one of the worst outcomes of asthma because of the risk of death. To date, few studies have explored the potential heterogeneity of this condition.

Objectives

To examine the clinical characteristics and heterogeneity of patients with severe or life‐threatening asthma exacerbation.

Methods

This was a multicentre, prospective study of patients with severe or life‐threatening asthma exacerbation and pulse oxygen saturation < 90% who were admitted to 17 institutions across Japan. Cluster analysis was performed using variables from patient‐ and physician‐orientated structured questionnaires.

Results

Analysis of data from 175 patients with severe or life‐threatening asthma exacerbation revealed five distinct clusters. Cluster 1 (n = 27) was younger‐onset asthma with severe symptoms at baseline, including limitation of activities, a higher frequency of treatment with oral corticosteroids and short‐acting beta‐agonists, and a higher frequency of asthma hospitalizations in the past year. Cluster 2 (n = 35) was predominantly composed of elderly females, with the highest frequency of comorbid, chronic hyperplastic rhinosinusitis/nasal polyposis, and a long disease duration. Cluster 3 (n = 40) was allergic asthma without inhaled corticosteroid use at baseline. Patients in this cluster had a higher frequency of atopy, including allergic rhinitis and furred pet hypersensitivity, and a better prognosis during hospitalization compared with the other clusters. Cluster 4 (n = 34) was characterized by elderly males with concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although cluster 5 (n = 39) had very mild symptoms at baseline according to the patient questionnaires, 41% had previously been hospitalized for asthma.

Conclusions & Clinical Relevance

This study demonstrated that significant heterogeneity exists among patients with severe or life‐threatening asthma exacerbation. Differences were observed in the severity of asthma symptoms and use of inhaled corticosteroids at baseline, and the presence of comorbid COPD. These findings may contribute to a deeper understanding and better management of this patient population.
A new colorimetric assay for antioxidant capacity and photostability
Authors: Fernández‐García Elisabet , Heluani‐Gahete Hayat , Wellinger Ralf E.
Published: April 2016

The antioxidant capacity of cysteine, glutathione, N‐acetylcysteine, and ascorbic acid to reduce Methylene Blue to colourless Leucomethylene Blue was analysed. Interestingly, transient exposure of Leucomethylene Blue to sunlight resulted in a reversible oxidation reaction and thus, provided a fast, easy, and simple quantitative assay to determine antioxidant capacity and photostability of biologically relevant antioxidants.
Aloe veragel: a new thickening agent for pigment printing
Authors: Islam Mohammad Tajul , Khan Shahadat Hossain , Hasan Md Mahadi
Published: April 2016

An attempt was made to print cotton fabric with pigments using a new thickening agent based onAloe veragel in combination with sodium alginate. The results were compared with the standard conventional printing recipe containing synthetic thickener, and a favourable effect ofAloe veraintroduction was achieved. The results show that the properties of the printed fabric (sharpness, colour yield, overall fastness properties, softness, and water vapour transmission) are dependent on the percentage ofAloe veragel in the thickener combination, the concentration of printing auxiliaries, and the curing conditions. Optimal printing properties were achieved by using a printing paste containing 80%Aloe vera/20% sodium alginate (700 g kg−1), pigment (50 g kg−1), binder (145 g kg−1), fixer (10 g kg−1), and ammonium sulfate (5 g kg−1), followed by drying at 85 °C for 5 min and curing at 150 °C for 3 min. The sample printed with the new recipe showed superior rubbing fastness and handle properties, with a slightly lower colour yield, when compared with the sample printed with synthetic thickener. Finally, economic issues arising from synthetic thickener substitution are highlighted.
Transient Ischemic Dilatation during Stress Echocardiography: An Additional Marker of Significant Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Kataoka Akihisa , Scherrer‐Crosbie Marielle , Senior Roxy , Garceau Patrick , Valbuena Silvia , Čelutkienė Jelena , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Cheema Asim N. , Lara Alfonso , Srbinovska‐Kostovska Elizabeta , Hessian Renee , Poggio Daniele , Goldweit Richard , Saric Muhamed , Dajani Khaled A. , Kohn Jeffrey A. , Shaw Leslee J. , Reynolds Harmony R. , Picard Michael H.
Published: April 2016

Aim

Left ventricular (LV) transient ischemic dilatation (TID) is not clear how it relates to inducible myocardial ischemia during stress echocardiography (SE).

Methods and Results

Eighty‐eight SEs were examined from the site certification phase of the ISCHEMIA Trial. LV end‐diastolic volume (EDV) and end‐systolic volume (ESV) were measured at rest and peak stages and the percent change calculated. Moderate or greater ischemia was defined as ≥3 segments with stress‐induced severe hypokinesis or akinesis. Optimum cut points in stress‐induced percent EDV and ESV change that identified moderate or greater myocardial ischemia were analyzed. Analysis from percentage distribution identified a > 13% LV volume increase in EDV or a > 9% LV volume increase in ESV as the optimum cutoff points for moderate or greater ischemia. Using these definitions for TID, there were 27 (31%) with TIDESV and 12 (14%) with TIDEDV. By logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves, the percent change in ESV had a stronger association with moderate or greater myocardial ischemia than that of EDV change. Compared to those without TIDESV, cases with TIDESV had larger extent of inducible wall‐motion abnormalities, lower peak stress LVEF, and higher likelihood of moderate or grater ischemia. For moderate or greater myocardial ischemia detection, TIDESV had a sensitivity of 46%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive value of 70%, and negative predictive value of 64%.

Conclusion

Transient ischemic dilatation by SE is a marker of extensive myocardial ischemia and can be used as an additional marker of higher risk.
Evidence‐based dentistry: assessment to document progression to proficiency
Authors: Marshall T. A. , Straub‐Morarend C. L. , Guzmán‐Armstrong S. , Handoo N.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The integration of evidence‐based dentistry (EBD) into pre‐doctoral dental curricula requires the identification of desired outcomes, development of curricular content and design of assessment strategies which guide student performance whilst documenting achievement of desired curricular outcomes. Models for developing EBD curriculums have been described in the literature; however, the logistics of designing assessment instruments to progressively document student performance have received less attention. The objective of this article is to describe the University of Iowa's College of Dentistry's development and implementation of assessment strategies to guide student learning of EBD knowledge, application and assimilation to serve as a model for other institutions developing EBD assessment protocols.

Assessment Development

Desired EBD knowledge and behaviour outcomes guided the development of curricular content and progressive formative and summative assessment strategies. Vertically and horizontally integrated educational activities enabling students to demonstrate EBD knowledge whilst modelling desired behaviours were identified, whilst assessment principles guided development of learning guides and assessment instruments to document achievement of desired outcomes. Consistent EBD language and educational activities are utilised throughout the 4‐year interdisciplinary curriculum with stepwise assessment protocols matched to the curriculum. Examples of student learning guides and assessment instruments are provided.

Curricular design guides development of assessment strategies. Assessment protocols provide consistent formative and summative feedback to enable continuous student growth to become proficient EBD practitioners.
No more pain upon Gq‐protein‐coupled receptor activation: role of endocannabinoids
Authors: Hu S.S.‐J. , Ho Y.‐C. , Chiou L.‐C
Published: April 2016

The above article from European Journal of Neuroscience, published online on 4 February 2014 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ejn.12475/full), has been retracted by agreement between the Editors‐in‐Chief, Paul Bolam and John Foxe, the authors and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed as the above article has been found to overlap substantially with the article ‘Chiou, L.‐C., Hu, S. S.‐J., and Ho, Y.‐C. (2013), Targeting the cannabinoid system for pain relief? Acta Anaesthesiologica Taiwanica, Volume 51, Issue 4: 161 – 170. doi: 10.1016/j.aat.2013.10.004’, which was submitted after the European Journal of Neuroscience article but was published first.

Reference

Hu, S.S.‐J., Ho, Y.‐C. & Chiou, L.‐C. (2014) No more pain upon Gq‐protein‐coupled receptor activation: role of endocannabinoids. Eur. J. Neurosci., 39, 467–484. doi: 10.1111/ejn.12475
Experimental polyethylene–hydroxyapatite carrier‐based endodontic system: an in vitro study on dynamic thermomechanical properties, sealing ability, and measurements of micro‐computed tomography voids
Authors: Alhashimi Raghad A. , Mannocci Francesco , Sauro Salvatore
Published: April 2016

The dynamic thermomechanical properties, sealing ability, and voids formation of an experimental obturation hydroxyapatite‐reinforced polyethylene (HA/PE) composite/carrier system were investigated and compared with those of a commercial system [GuttaCore (GC)]. The HA/PE system was specifically designed using a melt‐extrusion process. The viscoelastic properties of HA/PE were determined using a dynamic thermomechanical analyser. Human single‐rooted teeth were endodontically instrumented and obturated using HA/PE or GC systems, and then sealing ability was assessed using a fluid filtration system. In addition, micro‐computed tomography (μCT) was used to quantify apparent voids within the root‐canal space. The data were statistically analysed using one‐way anova and post hoc tests. The HA/PE composite exhibited important modulus and damping changes with an increase of temperature. The HA/PE system was more flexible than GC as the modulus of GC appeared to be significantly higher than that of HA/PE as a result of the high positive glass transition temperature (Tg). However, HA/PE and GC presented similar sealing abilities. In conclusion, because sealing ability and voids formation were comparable between the tested materials, the experimental HA/PE system may be considered a suitable alternative material for root‐canal obturation. Moreover, HA/PE possesses specific viscoelastic behaviour and lower melting points, which may facilitate root‐canal retreatments.
Methadone treatment, bruxism, and temporomandibular disorders among male prisoners
Authors: Enguelberg‐Gabbay Judith V. , Schapir Lior , Israeli Yair , Hermesh Haggai , Weizman Abraham , Winocur Ephraim
Published: April 2016

There is little information on bruxism related to illicit drug use. Prolonged drug use may damage the stomatognathic system via oral motor overactivity. The aim of the present study was to compare the rates of bruxism and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) between prisoners with and without drug‐use disorders, to evaluate the association between methadone treatment and bruxism and to assess the possible relationship between bruxism and pain. The sample included 152 male prisoners, 69 of whom were drug users maintained on methadone. All prisoners were examined by an experienced dentist and completed a questionnaire on their oral habits, with the aim of detecting signs or symptoms of TMD and/or bruxism. Additional data were collected from medical files. The prevalence of sleep bruxism and awake bruxism, but not of TMDs, was significantly higher among drug‐user than non‐drug user prisoners (52.2% vs. 34.9% for sleep bruxism, 59.7% vs. 30.1% for awake bruxism, and 46.3% vs. 25.6% for TMDs, respectively). Participants with awake bruxism were statistically more sensitive to muscle palpation compared with participants with sleep bruxism [rating scores (mean ± SD): 0.32 ± 0.21 vs. 0.19 ± 0.28, respectively]. An association was found between sleep bruxism and awake bruxism. It seems that there is a direct or an indirect association between methadone maintenance treatment and sleep bruxism or awake bruxism in male prisoners.
Give it or take it: the flux of one‐carbon in cancer cells
Authors: Meiser Johannes , Vazquez Alexei
Published: April 2016

The sequence of the human genome together with sequence similarity analyses has advanced the discovery of missing steps in the mitochondrial one‐carbon metabolism pathway. That together with the revived interest in cancer metabolism has brought the research on one‐carbon metabolism back under the spotlight. Here, we present a brief review of recent advances in the field of one‐carbon metabolism, with a bias towards its relevance to cell growth and proliferation in human cancers. We will address the requirements of one‐carbon metabolism for biosynthesis and the major sources to satisfy that demand. We will also discuss some recent discoveries indicating a role of one‐carbon metabolism beyond biosynthesis. We conclude with a concise enumeration of some fundamental questions that remain unanswered.
New Zealand's ecosystem approach to fisheries management
Authors: Cryer Martin , Mace Pamela M. , Sullivan Kevin J.
Published: April 2016

In 1986, New Zealand introduced a radical new quota management system (QMS) based on individual transferable quotas (ITQ) for most of its key fisheries. New Zealand's QMS focuses primarily on the management of individual fish stocks through the setting of total allowable catches (TAC) and total allowable commercial catches (TACC, allocated as ITQ) and is therefore essentially a single species‐focussed system. However, New Zealand's Fisheries Act 1996 is designed to ‘provide for utilisation while ensuring sustainability’ and the obligation to ensure sustainability has led to the introduction of many measures to deal with: incidental captures of protected species (primarily marine mammals and seabirds); benthic effects caused by bottom trawl and dredge gear; changes to marine biodiversity; and the protection of habitats of particular significance for fisheries management. Together with directed fish stock management, these measures could be considered to constitute a first‐level ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Many authors have advocated incremental or evolutionary approaches to the implementation of ecosystem approaches, and this paper summarizes developments in New Zealand since 1986 that build on the success of the QMS in this way.