bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micromotion analysis of different implant configuration, bone density, and crestal cortical bone thickness in immediately loaded mandibular full‐arch implant restorations: A nonlinear finite element study
Authors: Sugiura Tsutomu , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Horita Satoshi , Murakami Kazuhiro , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: December 2017

Background

Excessive micromotion may cause failure of osseointegration between the implant and bone.

Purpose

This study investigated the effects of implant configuration, bone density, and crestal cortical bone thickness on micromotion in immediately loaded mandibular full‐arch implant restorations.

Materials and Methods

A finite element model of the edentulous mandible was constructed. Four implants were inserted in two different configurations, which were four parallel implants or tilted distal implants according to the all‐on‐four concept. Different cancellous bone densities and crestal cortical bone thicknesses were simulated. The framework was made of acrylic resin. A vertical load of 200 N was applied at the cantilever or on the distal implant (noncantilever loading).

Results

The maximum extent of micromotion was significantly influenced by the density of cancellous bone and to a lesser extent by implant configuration and the crestal cortical bone thickness. The all‐on‐four configuration showed less micromotion than the parallel implant configuration in some circumstances. The maximum micromotion detected with noncantilever loading was less than 1/3 of that with cantilever loading.

Conclusions

Implant configuration had a limited influence on micromotion. Avoiding cantilever loading during the healing period should effectively reduce the risk of excessive micromotion in patients with low‐density cancellous bone and thin crestal cortical bone.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by topical herbal remedies: importance of patch testing with the patients' own products
Authors: Gilissen Liesbeth , Huygens Sara , Goossens An
Published: December 2017

Background

Natural ingredients have variable compositions, so their allergenic potencies may differ.

Objectives

To retrospectively analyse subjects reacting to herbal remedies over the past 27 years, with the aim of (i) evaluating demographic characteristics and lesion locations, (ii) describing the frequencies of positive patch test reactions, (iii) identifing sensitization sources, and (iv) studying concomitant sensitivity.

Patients and Methods

In total, 15980 patients were patch tested between 1990 and 2016 with the European baseline series and/or other series, product(s) used, and, whenever possible, the respective ingredients.

Results

Altogether, 8942 (56%) of 15 980 patients presented with at least one positive reaction. Reactions to topical herbal medicines, most often applied to treat an eczematous condition, leg ulcers, or other wounds, were seen in 125 (0.8%), that is, 1.4% of the contact‐allergic subjects. Hands, legs and feet were the most frequently affected body sites. Twenty‐one botanical allergens were identified, the commonest being Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru), Compositae plants, and tincture of benzoin. Many patients presented with multiple positive test reactions, and some did not react to the commercial allergens but only to the products used.

Conclusions

Topical herbal remedies should not be applied on damaged skin, as multiple sensitization may develop. Moreover, patch testing with the culprit products is important for the diagnosis.
EXAMINING THE TIMING OF WOMEN'S RETIREMENT IN URBAN CHINA: A DISCRETE TIME HAZARD RATE APPROACH
Authors: Hare Denise
Published: December 2017

In spite of phenomenal wage growth in recent decades, female labor force participation in urban China has experienced a notable decline, particularly for women over age 40. This paper estimates a probit model of labor force participation and a discrete time hazard rate model of labor force withdrawals among urban married women aged 40 to 51, using panel data spanning the years from 1991 to 2011. The results inform discussions about pension system reform in the face of population aging and declining labor supply. Recommendations are offered for policy measures that would increase women's labor force attachment, even as they approach their retirement horizon. (JEL J16, J22, J26)
Polymerase chain reaction test in induced sputum of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Paiva Verônica da Silva , Staub Fernanda Luiza , Valentini Dirceu Felipe , Barcellos Regina Bones , Schmid Karen Barros , Costa Elis Regina Dalla , Rossetti Maria Lucia Rosa , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth , Silva Denise Rossato
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Induced sputum (IS) is an alternative method of obtaining sputum, but IS smears are frequently negative. Culture is more time consuming in its results, and less useful to guide the diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most common methodology for rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), and few studies evaluated its role in IS samples.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic yield of PCR for TB compared with culture in IS samples.

Materials and Methods

Prospective study. Inpatients and outpatients of >18 years with respiratory symptoms suggestive of PTB were invited to participate. The subjects were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire, and collected IS. Three samples were obtained for AFB smear and culture. A fourth sample was obtained for PCR test.

Results

A total of 116 IS samples were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of PCR were 95.2%, 48.4%, 29.0% and 97.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was .72 for the PCR test (P < .0001).

Conclusions

Although the PCR specificity could be underestimated, if we consider PCR to be more sensitive than the culture method used, we believed that these PCR‐positive tests mean false positives. The results of PCR should always be interpreted carefully in conjunction with clinical information.
Coordinated Pricing Analysis with the Carbon Tax Scheme in a Supply Chain*
Authors: Ma Xin , Ho William , Ji Ping , Talluri Srinivas
Published: December 2017

The carbon tax is a cost‐efficient scheme to curb emissions, and it has been implemented in Australia, British Columbia, and other places worldwide. We aim to analyze its effect on dynamic pricing in a supply chain with multiple suppliers and one manufacturer. The profit‐maximizing manufacturer makes final products using raw materials from suppliers with heterogeneous prices and emission rates. A two‐stage game model is built over an infinite time horizon for this issue. In the first stage, suppliers face price‐dependent demand to set their prices and production rates under the constraint of inventory capacity. Then, in response to the carbon tax scheme, the manufacturer evaluates the procurement prices and emission rates of suppliers to control its emission volumes and sets the sales price of its product. This article predominately focuses on the optimal pricing strategies in a decentralized supply chain. The open‐loop equilibrium and Markovian Nash equilibrium for the dynamic pricing game models of both suppliers and the manufacturer are derived, respectively. The equilibrium prices of suppliers and the manufacturer can be solved based on both irreversible actions and real‐time states. These two types of equilibria can be regarded as the solutions of two different models in specific situations. To analyze the effect of sourcing diversity on pricing strategies and emissions control for the manufacturer, the more general equilibrium price for the manufacturer in an n‐suppliers oligopoly is studied. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the equilibrium and its monotonicity with various parameter settings.
Intentions to Comply Versus Intentions to Protect: A VIE Theory Approach to Understanding the Influence of Insiders’ Awareness of Organizational SETA Efforts
Authors: Burns A. J. , Roberts Tom L. , Posey Clay , Bennett Rebecca J. , Courtney James F.
Published: December 2017

In contemporary organizations, the protection of an organization's information assets is reliant on the behavior of those entrusted with access to organizational information and information systems (IS). Because of this reliance, organizations increasingly prioritize the training and education of employees through security education, training, and awareness (SETA) initiatives. Through expectancy theory and its central components of valence, instrumentality, and expectancy (VIE), we investigate the role of insiders’ awareness of organizational SETA efforts on two similar, yet distinct, security‐related intentions: intention to comply with information security policies (ISPs) and intention to protect the organization's information assets from their threats. Not only do we show how distinct these two concepts are from a quantitative standpoint, we also demonstrate differences between insiders’ compliance and protection intentions, as well as their motivational antecedents. Moreover, we demonstrate how our powerful, yet parsimonious, model based on expectancy theory explains a significant portion of the variance in these two important concepts: 52.7% in intentions to comply with ISPs and 68.1% in intentions to protect organizational information assets. We discuss the implications of our findings for research and practice and offer future research opportunities.
Different predation efficiencies of trap‐building larvae of sympatric antlions and wormlions from the rainforest of Borneo
Authors: MILER KRZYSZTOF , YAHYA BAKHTIAR E. , CZARNOLESKI MARCIN
Published: December 2017

1. This study reports the discovery of sympatric populations of antlions (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) and wormlions (Diptera: Vermileonidae) in a unique system of sandy microhabitats in the lowland rainforest of Borneo. The two species convergently evolved sit‐and‐wait predatory larvae, which construct pitfall traps to hunt insects. Despite similar specialised foraging strategies, the two species coexist in the competitive environment of small, isolated sandy patches in the rainforest, which begs the question: what biological characteristics allow their coexistence?

2. Based on larval morphology alone, it was predicted that antlions would build larger traps, which would allow them to efficiently hunt larger prey. Addressing this hypothesis, this study compared the volumes of traps constructed by the two species under field and laboratory conditions. A laboratory experiment compared their efficiency of capture of three ant species that differed in body size.

3. The results show that antlions constructed larger traps and captured prey more efficiently. The difference between the species could not be explained by trap size alone. The findings demonstrate that the overlap in resource use in these two species was low, and it is suggested that there is a separation in prey utility between them, allowing their coexistence in the space‐limited habitat of the tropical rainforest.
Effect of long‐term drainage on plant community, soil carbon and nitrogen contents and stable isotopic (δ13C, δ15N) composition of a permanent grassland
Authors: Harris P. , Bol R. , Evans J. , Hawkins J. M. B. , Dixon E. R. , Wolf K. , Dungait J. A. J. , Griffith B. , Herbst M. , Dhanoa M. S. , Beaumont D. A. , Dunn R. M. , Wiesenberg G. L. B.
Published: December 2017

This study compares data statistically that were collected from both long‐term drained and undrained plots to test hypotheses concerning the effect of drainage on plant community, soil total nitrogen (TN), soil total carbon (TC) and stable isotopic (δ15N, δ13C) contents in a permanent grassland. In addition, the effects of soil depth, topography (elevation, slope, aspect and compound topographic index (CTI)) and spatial autocorrelation were taken into account. Data were collected in 2010 at Rowden Moor, North Wyke, Devon, UK, where, for the plots of this study, subsurface drainage was introduced in 1987. The results of a set of six linear mixed models showed that: (i) plant community did not depend on drainage, but on elevation and spatial effects, (ii) both TN and TC not only depended on drainage, but also topography and sample depth, (iii) the TC to TN ratio did not depend on drainage, but on elevation, CTI and sample depth only, (iv) δ15N values did not depend on drainage, but on topography and sample depth and (v) δ13C values depended on drainage together with topography and sample depth. Thus, drainage represented a significant effect for only TN, TC and δ13C. Furthermore, changes in soil physicochemical conditions, following the introduction of drainage in the clay soil 24 years previously, induced a shift in the plant community from a Lolium perenne L. dominated grassland with numerous patches of Juncus species, towards one with Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens L.

Highlights

The effect of drainage on plant community, and C and N cycling on permanent grassland.

Soil depth, topography and associated spatial effects are taken into consideration.

Plant community (species diversity) depended on topography and spatial effects only.

Soil chemistry depended on topography and depth, and N, C and δ13C also depended on drainage.
Cannabinoids for epilepsy: What do we know and where do we go?
Authors: Brodie Martin J. , Ben‐Menachem Elinor
Published: December 2017

Over the past decade there has been an increasing interest in using cannabinoids to treat a range of epilepsy syndromes following reports of some remarkable responses in individual patients. The situation is complicated by the fact that these agents do not appear to work via their attachment to endogenous cannabinoid receptors. Their pharmacokinetics are complex, and bioavailability is variable, resulting in difficulty in developing a suitable formulation for oral delivery. Drug interactions also represent another complication in their everyday use. Nevertheless, recent randomized, placebo‐controlled trials with cannabidiol support its efficacy in Dravet and Lennox‐Gastaut syndromes. Further placebo‐controlled studies are underway in adults with focal epilepsy using cannabidivarin. The many unanswered questions in the use of cannabinoids to treat epileptic seizures are briefly summarized in the conclusion.
In vivo differentiation of common basal cell carcinoma subtypes by microvascular and structural imaging using dynamic optical coherence tomography
Authors: Themstrup Lotte , De Carvalho Nathalie , Nielsen Sabrina M. , Olsen Jonas , Ciardo Silvana , Schuh Sandra , Nørnberg Birgit M.‐H. , Welzel Julia , Ulrich Martina , Pellacani Giovanni , Jemec Gregor B. E.
Published: December 2017

The subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) influences the choice of treatment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non‐invasive imaging tool, and a recent development of an angiographic version of OCT has extended the application of OCT to image the cutaneous microvasculature (so‐called dynamic OCT, D‐OCT). This study explores D‐OCT's ability to differentiate the common BCC subtypes by microvascular and structural imaging. Eighty‐one patients with 98 BCC lesions, consisting of three subtypes: 27 superficial BCC (sBCC), 55 nodular BCC (nBCC) and 16 infiltrative BCC (iBCC) were D‐OCT scanned at three European dermatology centres. Blinded evaluations of microvascular and structural features were performed, followed by extensive statistical analysis of risk ratio (RR) and multiple correspondence analysis. nBCC lesions displayed most characteristic structural and vascular features. Serpiginous vessels, branching vessels, vessels creating a circumscribed figure and sharply demarcated hyporeflective ovoid structures in the dermis were all associated with a higher risk of the subtype being nBCC. The presence of highly present lines and dark peripheral borders at the margin of ovoid structures was negatively associated with iBCC. Lastly, the finding of hyporeflective ovoid structures protruding from epidermis correlated with sBCC. We identified various microvascular and structural D‐OCT features that may aid non‐invasive identification of BCC subtypes. This would allow clinicians to individualize and optimize BCC treatment as well as aid follow‐up of non‐surgical treatment.
Declines in moth populations stress the need for conserving dark nights
Authors: van Langevelde Frank , Braamburg‐Annegarn Marijke , Huigens Martinus E. , Groendijk Rob , Poitevin Olivier , van Deijk Jurriën R. , Ellis Willem N. , van Grunsven Roy H. A. , de Vos Rob , Vos Rutger A. , Franzén Markus , WallisDeVries Michiel F.
Published: December 2017

Given the global continuous rise, artificial light at night is often considered a driving force behind moth population declines. Although negative effects on individuals have been shown, there is no evidence for effects on population sizes to date. Therefore, we compared population trends of Dutch macromoth fauna over the period 1985–2015 between moth species that differ in phototaxis and adult circadian rhythm. We found that moth species that show positive phototaxis or are nocturnally active have stronger negative population trends than species that are not attracted to light or are diurnal species. Our results indicate that artificial light at night is an important factor in explaining declines in moth populations in regions with high artificial night sky brightness. Our study supports efforts to reduce the impacts of artificial light at night by promoting lamps that do not attract insects and reduce overall levels of illumination in rural areas to reverse declines of moth populations.
Tooth loss and its relationship with protein intake by elderly Brazilians—A structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Bomfim Rafael A. , de Souza Luciana B. , Corrente José E.
Published: December 2017

Objective

This study aimed at assessing the relationship between self‐perceived tooth loss and wearing dentures, on the one hand, and the consumption of protein, on the other hand, among the elderly population of Botucatu, SP. Food consumption tends to decrease with ageing, especially protein intake, and one of the causes could be the precariousness of oral health. Several risk factors associated with deficient dietary protein intake have been identified, namely greater physical dependence, reduced caloric intake and food insecurity, but no studies have analysed whether tooth loss and prostheses interfere with protein intake.

Methods

An interview was conducted among 365 elderly individuals, in which we examined oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) as the only latent variable, in a 24‐hour nutritional assessment dietary recall repeated 3 times, conducted in person by a trained nutritionist and also performed an analysis of nutritional needs using the Nutrition Data System Research (NDSR) Program.

Results

The structural equation model, performed using Stata v.14, showed that lack of teeth (standardised coefficient [SC] = 0.21, P < .001), and prosthesis use (SC = −0.21, P < .001) was associated with OHRQoL. Lack of teeth had a direct effect on the consumption of animal protein (SC = 0.08, P = .02), a strong total effect on animal protein intake (SC = 0.51, P = .04) and a medium effect on total protein intake (SC = 0.20, P = .03), adjusted for confounders (depression and medical problems).

Conclusion

Tooth loss had a strong and significant total effect on animal protein intake and a medium effect on total protein intake among elderly Brazilians.
Small Business Social Responsibility: A Critical Multilevel Review, Synthesis and Research Agenda
Authors: Soundararajan Vivek , Jamali Dima , Spence Laura J.
Published: December 2017

Small‐business social responsibility (SBSR) related research is rapidly increasing in quantity, but is found in divergent literatures and disciplines. It is time to offer a comprehensive review that identifies, synthesizes and integrates previous research, and highlights the knowledge gaps and the way forward. This methodical search of the literature helped to identify 115 multidisciplinary peer‐reviewed academic articles appearing in high‐quality journals over the 1970–2016 period. Using a systematic and in‐depth content analysis technique, the authors reviewed the articles and identified the theories used, the national contextual focus and the methodological orientations in these articles. They also identified the predictors, outcomes, mediators and moderators of SBSR at the institutional, organizational and individual levels of analysis. This review helps to identify significant knowledge gaps in terms of the theoretical orientation, the national contextual focus, the core content under study, and the methods used. The authors offer numerous suggestions across these topics to help address the knowledge gaps and raise important questions for future research. The primary contributions of this paper are: delineating and summarizing a multilevel analysis of an emerging literature on SBSR; integrating contributions from a wide range of management disciplines and geographical contexts; extracting the potential theoretical contributions in this field; and informing directions for future research. The authors propose a research agenda that is theoretically relevant and innovative, and call for context‐ and size‐aware research on SBSR, using small‐business‐specific methodologies and measurements.
Urological laparoendoscopic single‐site and reduced port surgery: A nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Narita Mitsuhiro , Kageyama Susumu , Okegawa Takatsugu , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Sato Fuminori , Nakagawa Ken , Habuchi Tomonori , Hoshi Akio , Matsubara Akio , Yoshimura Koji , Terachi Toshiro , Mimata Hiromitsu , Kawauchi Akihiro
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the current status of urological laparoendoscopic single‐site and reduced port surgery in Japan.

Methods

Of the 152 institutions to which councilors of the Japanese Society of Endourology belong, 42 (28%) have carried out laparoendoscopic single‐site and reduced port surgery. A total of 32 of these institutions agreed to participate in this survey. Patients who had undergone surgery between January 2008 and March 2014 were included in the present study.

Results

Overall, 1145 cases of laparoendoscopic single‐site and reduced port surgery were recorded during the study period. The most frequent procedures were adrenalectomy and radical nephrectomy. Laparoendoscopic single‐site and reduced port surgery represented 12% (872/7311) of all laparoscopic procedures carried out at participating institutions. The number of patients who underwent pyeloplasty, donor nephrectomy and simple nephrectomy tended to increase, whereas those who underwent adrenalectomy, radical nephrectomy and nephroureterectomy peaked in 2012, and then tended to decrease in 2013. The rates of conversion, perioperative and postoperative complications, were 2.7%, 2.2% and 4.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The number of laparoendoscopic single‐site and reduced port urological surgeries in Japan has increased for benign indications, such as pyeloplasty, donor nephrectomy and simple nephrectomy. In contrast, procedures such as adrenalectomy and radical nephrectomy are trending down after reaching a peak in 2012. Overall, laparoendoscopic single‐site and reduced port urological surgery in Japan is being safely carried out when compared with other reported series of laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Pricing and quality level decisions of substitutable products in online and traditional selling channels: game‐theoretical approaches
Authors: Taleizadeh Ata Allah , Akhavizadegan Faezeh , Ansarifar Javad
Published: December 2017

This study addresses a pricing problem of two substitutable products in a two‐echelon supply chain including two manufacturers and one retailer. The manufacturers sell their products through two distribution channels, namely traditional and Internet channels. The linear demand functions of products depend on selling prices, service value of channels, and quality level of products. Moreover, various market power structures are considered for the members of the supply chain. This study focuses on the specific game‐theoretical approaches to highlight the effect of market power structures and leadership between firms. The manufacturer–leader Stackelberg (MSS) game, retailer–leader Stackelberg game (RSS), manufacturer‐Bertrand competition (MSB), and retailer‐Bertrand competitions (RSB) are applied to analyze equilibrium solutions. The models help both manufacturers and retailer not only to maximize their profits but also to see the influences of their powers and decisions under different strategies. As a result, the leader has enough power to get higher profit, and the maximum profit of the whole supply chain is affected by the market powers of manufacturers and retailer. The best strategies for the retailer are those that are based on the RS games. The results illustrate that lower price does not lead to lower profit, and more sales does not necessarily result in higher profit. Moreover, the Bertrand strategy considered by the manufacturers to determine their optimal decisions is the best strategy from the customers’ perspective.
Tunable luminescence from bismuth‐doped phosphate laser glass by engineering photonic glass structure
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Cao Jiangkun , Xue Yafei , Tan Linling , Xu Shanhui , Yang Zhongmin , Peng Mingying
Published: December 2017

Because of ultra‐broadband near‐infrared (NIR) emission bismuth‐activated glasses and fibers offer a new promising platform for novel photonic devices such as new type of optical amplifiers and broadly tunable fiber lasers. Yet, challenge remains to manipulate the NIR emission behavior of bismuth (Bi) in photonic glasses for efficient Bismuth‐doped fiber and fiber lasers. Here, by engineering phosphorus and aluminum's topology, broadly tunable NIR emission has been realized in Bismuth‐doped phosphate laser glass. Structural and optical analyses on 27Al magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR), 31P MAS NMR, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and static emission spectra suggest that polymerization of glass network can be improved by proper addition of aluminum into the system, which can be evidenced by partial conversion of Q2 to Q3 species of phosphorus and the shift of P–O–P asymmetric stretching vibration toward lower frequency, and this turns out beneficial to Bi NIR emission. Embedding aluminum tetrahedra into phosphorus glass network can reduce the local crystal field around bismuth and therefore lead to the blueshift of Bi emission. This work presents new insights into the luminescent behavior of Bi ions in phosphate glass and it helps the design and fabrication of Bismuth‐doped glasses and fibers in future.
CME‐1, a novel polysaccharide, suppresses iNOS expression in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages through ceramide‐initiated protein phosphatase 2A activation
Authors: Sheu Joen‐Rong , Chen Zhih‐Cherng , Hsu Ming‐Jen , Wang Shwu‐Huey , Jung Kuo‐Wei , Wu Wei‐Fan , Pan Szu‐Han , Teng Ruei‐Dun , Yang Chih‐Hao , Hsieh Cheng‐Ying
Published: December 2017

CME‐1, a novel water‐soluble polysaccharide purified from Ophiocordyceps sinensis mycelia, has anti‐oxidative, antithrombotic and antitumour properties. In this study, other major attributes of CME‐1, namely anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, were investigated. Treating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells with CME‐1 concentration‐dependently suppressed nitric oxide formation and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. In the CME‐1‐treated RAW 264.7 cells, LPS‐induced IκBα degradation and the phosphorylation of p65, Akt and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38, were reduced. Treatment with a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)‐specific inhibitor, significantly reversed the CME‐1‐suppressed iNOS expression; IκBα degradation; and p65, Akt and MAPK phosphorylation. PP2A activity up‐regulation and PP2A demethylation reduction were also observed in the cells. Moreover, CME‐1‐induced PP2A activation and its subsequent suppression of LPS‐activated RAW 264.7 cells were diminished by the inhibition of ceramide signals. LPS‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydroxyl radical formation were eliminated by treating RAW 264.7 cells with CME‐1. Furthermore, the role of ceramide signalling pathway and anti‐oxidative property were also demonstrated in CME‐1‐mediated inhibition of LPS‐activated primary peritoneal macrophages. In conclusion, CME‐1 suppressed iNOS expression by up‐regulating ceramide‐induced PP2A activation and reducing ROS production in LPS‐stimulated macrophages. CME‐1 is a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory diseases.
Thermal convection coefficient in cooling process of lime fruit: Study through the Galerkin finite element method
Authors: Valle‐Guadarrama Salvador , Cruz‐Pérez David , López‐Cruz Irineo L. , Hahn‐Schlam Federico
Published: December 2017

Cooling is applied to horticultural products to reduce exposition time to inappropriate temperatures. In the present work, a mathematical model was proposed to describe the cooling behavior of lime fruit and to determine the thermal convection coefficient (h) involved. The Galerkin finite element method was used to obtain a numerical solution of the model and results were evaluated by comparing with experimental information. The coefficient h was dependent on fruit position in the cooling system, varied between 3.7 and 100.6 W/m2  °C with air velocity, and results corresponding to forced air were expressed in terms of Nusselt and Reynolds numbers.

Practical Applications

A methodology was developed to determine the thermal convection coefficient (h) in the cooling process of a horticultural product. The procedure was based on fundamental heat transfer laws that were analyzed through the finite element method; however, it was step by step described and was programmed in the Matlab environment, which allows an easy application to other process conditions.
Computational fluid dynamic study of thermal effects of open doors of refrigerated vehicles
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Han Jia‐Wei , Qian Jian‐Ping , Wang Yi‐Zhong , Wang Lin , Yang Xin‐Ting
Published: December 2017

In this work, we use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to compare the advantages and disadvantages of various door geometries by looking at how open doors of four different door geometries affect the stability of the temperature inside a refrigerated vehicle during unloading. The results show that, with opening D1 and D2, D3 and D4, D1, D4, the temperature increases from 4 °C to 22.34, 22.65, 20.39, and 21.32 °C after 4 min, respectively. The coefficients of temperature variation are .009, .011, .015, and .014, respectively. The volume infiltration flow rates are 2.202, 2.189, 0.983, and 0.961 m3/s, respectively. Comparing the coefficients shows that opening the D1D2 doors does not significantly perturb the temperature of the carriage, and opening the D1 door modifies the temperature less than opening the D4 door. The maximum root‐mean‐square error for volume mean temperature and wind speed is 1.21  °C and 0.27 m/s, respectively.

Practical applications

In urban cold‐chain delivery and distribution, the main solution to maintain temperature stability on opening the doors is to limit the number of doors and their area relative to the volume of the refrigerated vehicle. As a result, it is very important to optimize the structural design of refrigerated vehicles to reduce energy consumption, enhance temperature stability inside the refrigerated compartment, and ensure the quality and safety of the perishable food stored within. In this study, the evaluation index is used with CFD technology to study how open doors of various sizes and at different locations affect the temperature inside the refrigerated vehicle. This research provides not only a more detailed understanding of flow distribution and temperature variations inside the carriage while opening the door of a refrigerated compartment but also a reliable theoretical basis for optimizing the design of refrigerated vehicles.
Shelf‐life prediction of microencapsulated Β‐galactosidase powder prepared using enteric double‐coating technology
Authors: Ahn Sung‐Il , Kwak Hae‐Soo , Al Mijan Mohammad , Jhoo Jin‐Woo , Kim Gur‐Yoo , Ra Chang‐Six
Published: December 2017

In this study, we estimated the storage period of enteric double‐microencapsulated lactase (β‐d‐galactosidase) powder used to address lactose intolerance associated with milk. The coating materials were medium‐chain triglyceride for the primary coating, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP) and shellac for the secondary enteric coating. The isotherm profiles of the lactase microcapsule powders coated with HPMCP and shellac were type II and III, respectively. Compared with the shellac‐coated microcapsules, the HPMCP‐coated microcapsules showed lower moisture absorption (2.88% versus 38.06% of sample by weight), greater moisture desorption (0% versus 3.78% of sample by weight), and a longer predicted half‐life (27.95 versus 12.25 months). Thus, the storage period of lactase was successfully elongated by microencapsulation, and HPMCP was superior to shellac as an enteric coating material for lactase microencapsulation.

Practical applications

The lactase microcpasules can be added in milk to prevent lactose intolerance. Also, the moisture sorption profile and storage period prediction of the capsules are expected to establish an efficient storage environment of the microcapsules in mass prodution and distribution of the capsules.
Kinetic study of mass transfer in different parts of Chinese cabbage during brining
Authors: Zhao Chang‐Cheng , Eun Jong‐Bang
Published: December 2017

In Korea, Chinese cabbage, baechu, is the principal ingredient in kimchi. Salt concentrations in different cabbage leaf parts within the kimchi are typically not uniform, which leads to different degrees of acceptance. Thus, sodium chloride diffusion and texture profiles were determined for the different parts of cabbage leaves (inner, mid, and outer), which were soaked in a 15% salt solution at 25 °C for various times (0–12 hr). Based on Fick's equation, the effective diffusion coefficients of sodium chloride in the inner, mid, and outer leaves were 1.44 × 10−11, 1.38 × 10−11, and 1.33 × 10−11 m2/s, respectively. The texture profiles of the three leaf parts significantly changed as soaking time increased. The inner leaves of baechu showed higher hardness values after brining than the mid or outer leaves. Consequently, the inner leaves are more suitable for brining due to higher effective diffusion values and good textural properties.

Practical applications

Kimchi is a Korean fermented vegetable food that are salted, blended with various ingredients. It has been reported salting is a critical step that influences product quality during kimchi processing. While the salt concentration after brining in different cabbage parts usually is not uniform. Thus, in our study, the cabbages were divided into three different parts (inner, mid, and outer), and the sodium chloride diffusion and texture profiles were investigated during brining. The results showed that the inner leaves of cabbage have the highest effective diffusion values and good textural properties. The data from this study would be reveal a practical application worthy of further study in food industries and provide valuable information for improving the quality of kimchi.
Timing and sequence of emergence of permanent teeth in Syrian schoolchildren
Authors: Dashash Mayssoon , Al‐Jazar Noor
Published: December 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the timing and sequence of the eruption of permanent teeth in Syrian schoolchildren.

Methods

A total of 1211 children aged 5‐13 years were included. Every permanent tooth was scored according to its clinical stage of eruption. The significance of difference was tested using t test.

Results

The mean number of erupted teeth in children aged 5‐6 years was 2.41 ± 2.68, and reached to 24.48 ± 3.60 in those ages between 12 and 13 years. Mandibular teeth erupted earlier than maxillary opposing teeth in both sexes, except upper premolars. The eruption significantly proceeded in girls when compared to boys. Differences were significant for numbers 11 (P = .003), 21 (P = .035), 13 (P = .013), 42 (P = .038), 33 (P = .009), and 45 (P = .012). There was no significant difference between contralateral teeth (right and left) in the mean age of eruption in both arches. Lower central incisors and first molars were the earliest teeth to emerge in both sexes. Second molars were the last teeth to emerge in boys (maxilla: 11.68 years, mandible: 11.15 years) and girls (maxilla: 11.2 years, mandible 10.99 years).

Conclusion

Findings could be used as Syrian standards of eruption when health professionals assess normal occlusion and need to determine the correct timing for preventive or corrective procedures.
Cutometric assessment of elasticity of skin with striae distensae following carboxytherapy
Authors: Podgórna Kasjana , Kołodziejczak Anna , Rotsztejn Helena
Published: December 2017

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of carboxytherapy in the treatment of striae distensae. Additionally, discomfort and side effects associated with the treatment were assessed.

Materials and methods

This study involved 15 women aged 22‐40 years. They underwent 3 sessions of carboxytherapy at one‐week intervals. Treatment was performed in skin area within stretch marks located on stomach, buttocks, and thighs. Cutometric probe was used to evaluate skin elasticity. Four measurements were performed—immediately before each treatment and one month after the last session. Photographic documentation was made before and after a series of treatment to perform clinical evaluation of changes in skin condition.

Results

Statistical analysis of results obtained with the use of Cutometer (R2 and R8 parameters) demonstrated that carboxytherapy significantly improved skin elasticity within stretch marks (P < .05). The analysis of photographic documentation revealed 58% improvement in stretch mark visibility. The width and length of stretch marks decreased, and their color became more like the natural color of the skin. Carboxytherapy is associated with moderate pain/discomfort. The occurrence of hematoma is the main side effect of this procedure.

Conclusions

Carboxytherapy seems to be an effective method of reducing stretch marks. This procedure is safe, and it can be performed without the risk of complications. Moreover, it does not require special postoperative convalescence. Photographic documentation is a method of assessment of aesthetic procedures effectiveness, which is complementary to other objective methods (eg, the use of MPA probes).
The barriers to the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia from the perspective of critical care nurses: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Atashi Vajihe , Yousefi Hojatollah , Mahjobipoor Hosein , Yazdannik Ahmadreza
Published: December 2017

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of Iranian critical care nurses on the barriers to ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention in intensive care units.

Background

Most patients hospitalized in intensive care units need mechanical ventilation. One of the most prevalent and serious complications of mechanical ventilation is ventilator‐associated pneumonia. There are different barriers to the prevention of this kind of pneumonia.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods

In this qualitative study, 23 critical care nurses were recruited via purposive sampling. Semi‐structured interviews were done for data collection. The interviews were recorded digitally, transcribed word by word, and analyzed using the inductive content analysis approach.

Results

The barriers to the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia fell into three main categories, namely nurses’ limited professional competence, unfavorable environmental conditions, and passive human resource management. The 10 subcategories of these main categories were unfavorable professional attitude, limited professional knowledge, low job motivation, limited professional accountability, non‐standard physical structure, inadequate or inappropriate equipment, heavy workload, staff shortage, inadequate staff training, and ineffective supervision.

Conclusion

The barriers to the prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia in intensive care units are very diverse and complex and include a wide range of interrelated personal, environmental, and organizational barriers.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study created a better understanding of the barriers to ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention. Moreover, highlighted the importance of sufficient resources, adequate staffing level, and contextually‐appropriate evidence‐based guidelines for effective ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention.
Platelet function monitoring for stent thrombosis in critically III patients with an acute Coronary syndrome
Authors: Tilemann Lisa , Mohr Sarah K. , Preusch Michael , Chorianopoulos Emanuel , Giannitsis Evangelos , Katus Hugo A. , Müller Oliver J.
Published: December 2017

Background

Patients after cardiac arrest or in cardiogenic shock due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at high risk for stent thrombosis (ST) and recurrent cardiovascular events after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). High post‐interventional platelet reactivity (HPR) might be an additional risk factor for ST in these critically ill patients.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2016, 401 critically ill patients from a cardiologic intensive care unit underwent platelet function testing after primary PCI using whole blood impedance aggregometry. After exclusion of patients with an abnormal platelet count, 357 patients have been included into the final analysis of this retrospective observational study.

Results

The incidence of definite early ST was 19.2% in patients with HPR to P2Y12 antagonists and 1.2% in patients without HPR. Likewise, the incidence of early ST in patients with HPR to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was 21.4% versus 1.8% in patients without HPR. In contrast, the incidence of late ST or recurrent myocardial infarction in untreated lesions was not associated with HPR to ASA or P2Y12 antagonists.

Conclusions

Platelet function testing in critically ill ACS patients identified patients at high risk for early ST and might be beneficial for risk stratification.
Distinct factors determine the kinetics of disease relapse in adults transplanted for acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Craddock C. , Versluis J. , Labopin M. , Socie G. , Huynh A. , Deconinck E. , Volin L. , Milpied N. , Bourhis J. H. , Rambaldi A. , Chevallier P. , Blaise D. , Manz M. , Vellenga E. , Vekemans M‐C. , Maertens J. , Passweg J. , Vyas P. , Schmid C. , Löwenberg B. , Ossenkoppele G. , Mohty M. , Cornelissen J. J. , Nagler A. ,   for the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation and HOVON‐SAKK
Published: December 2017

Background

Disease recurrence remains the major cause of death in adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treated using either intensive chemotherapy (IC) or allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT).

Aims

The timely delivery of maintenance drug or cellular therapies represent emerging strategies with the potential to reduce relapse after both treatment modalities, but whilst the determinants of overall relapse risk have been extensively characterized the factors determining the timing of disease recurrence have not been characterized.

Materials and Methods

We have therefore examined, using a series of sequential landmark analyses, relapse kinetics in a cohort of 2028 patients who received an allo‐SCT for AML in CR1 and separately 570 patients treated with IC alone.

Results

In the first 3 months after allo‐SCT, the factors associated with an increased risk of relapse included the presence of the FLT3‐ITD (P < 0.001), patient age (P = 0.012), time interval from CR1 to transplant (P < 0.001) and donor type (P = 0.03). Relapse from 3 to 6 months was associated with a higher white cell count at diagnosis (P = 0.001), adverse‐risk cytogenetics (P < 0.001), presence of FLT3‐ITD mutation (P < 0.001) and time interval to achieve first complete remission (P = 0.013). Later relapse was associated with adverse cytogenetics, mutated NPM1, absence of chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) and the use of in vivo T‐cell depletion. In patients treated with IC alone, the factors associated with relapse in the first 3 months were adverse‐risk cytogenetics (P < 0.001) and FLT3‐ITD status (P = 0.001). The factors predicting later relapse were the time interval from diagnosis to CR1 (P = 0.22) and time interval from CR1 to IC (P = 0.012).

Discussion and Conclusion

Taken together, these data provide novel insights into the biology of disease recurrence after both allo‐SCT and IC and have the potential to inform the design of novel maintenance strategies in both clinical settings.
Family Diversity and Child Health: Where Do Same‐Sex Couple Families Fit?
Authors: Cenegy Laura Freeman , Denney Justin T. , Kimbro Rachel Tolbert
Published: December 2017

Increasing family diversity during the past half century has focused national attention on how children are faring in nontraditional family structures. Much of the limited evidence on children in same‐sex couple families suffers from several shortcomings, including a lack of representative data. We use the National Health Interview Survey (2004–2012) and the National Survey of Children's Health (2011–2012) to identify children in different‐sex married and cohabiting families, never and previously married single‐parent families, and same‐sex couple families. Considering important characteristics such as the child's race or ethnicity and adoption status, household socioeconomic standing, family stability, and parent health, we examine the relationship between family type and parent‐rated overall child health. The results suggest that poorer health among children in same‐sex couple as well as different‐sex cohabiting couple and single‐parent families appears to be largely the product of demographic and socioeconomic differences rather than exposure to nontraditional family forms.
Decreased Signal Intensity Ratio on MRA Reflects Misery Perfusion on SPECT in Patients with Intracranial Stenosis
Authors: Miura Masatomo , Nakajima Makoto , Fujimoto Akiko , Shiraishi Shinya , Liebeskind David S. , Ando Yukio
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acetazolamide reactivity on 123I‐IMP SPECT is used to detect misery perfusion due to intracranial atherosclerosis. Noninvasive fractional flow assessed by signal intensity ratio (SIR) on time of flight‐magnetic resonance angiography (TOF‐MRA) might offer a feasible alternative to identify high‐risk intracranial stenosis.

METHODS

Data from consecutive patients with unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis who underwent both TOF‐MRA and acetazolamide reactivity on 123I‐IMP SPECT were retrospectively analyzed. Signal intensity was measured in the background and on the MCA proximal and distal to the stenotic lesion on TOF‐MRA. Mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) at rest and cerebrovascular reactivity were measured in the target MCA territory. CBF patterns of the MCA were divided into three groups (Powers’ stage 0‐II).

RESULTS

A total of 56 sets of diagnostic imaging in 33 patients were assessed. Four CBF patterns were stage II in four MCA territories, stage I in 31, and stage 0 in 21. Median SIR of the MCA was .53 (interquartile range .46‐.69) for stage II, .78 (.63‐.90) for stage I, and .91 (.85‐.95) for stage 0. The optimal cutoff for SIR obtained from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to predict stage II was < .56.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with unilateral MCA stenosis, decreased SIR was correlated with misery perfusion, providing a simpler, widely available predictor of high‐risk intracranial stenosis.